New Automatic Railway Track Gauge-Change System Project for Ukraine and Europe

The project for an automatic railway track gauge-change system is estimated at €15 billion. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The project for an automatic railway track gauge-change system is estimated at €15 billion. Next year, “Ukrzaliznytsia,” in collaboration with the Spanish operator ADIF, will launch the project to automate track gauge change for standards of 1520 mm, 1435 mm, and 1668 mm. Director of the Department of Strategy and Transformation, Oleh Yakovenko, shared this news at the Rail Expo conference.

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Yakovenko highlighted that this technology will positively impact rail transportation in Ukraine, the Baltics, and Spain. “We are going through all necessary procedures, and the project will begin next year,” he noted, adding that development and certification will take an additional two years.

According to calculations by JASPERS, the European Investment Bank’s technical advisory service, the project will require €15 billion, with €11 billion allocated for construction. Another €4 billion will cover supporting costs, including depots, rolling stock, machinery, and infrastructure.

Funding such an ambitious project requires support from the Ukrainian government and international financial institutions, like the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This project is a significant step toward integrating Ukraine’s railways into the European transport system.

Impact of the Automatic Railway Track Gauge-Change System on Transport

The automatic railway track gauge-change system will come in two types: a dual-position model (1520 mm / 1435 mm) and a three-position model, allowing switching between tracks of 1520 mm, 1435 mm, and 1668 mm. This technology enables direct cargo delivery to Spain, competing with maritime transport that currently operates from Odesa.

Benefits of the Automatic Railway Track Gauge-Change System Project

Rail transport is expected to compete with maritime transport through special tariffs. The Mediterranean Corridor, which will stretch from west to east and connect Spain with Lviv, will also offer streamlined rates.

“If everything is done correctly, rail transport can effectively compete with maritime routes,” Yakovenko added, noting that cooperation with operators and carriers is essential. Previously, it was reported that ADIF and “Ukrzaliznytsia” planned to develop a pilot project for automatic gauge-change technology on western crossings for freight wagons.

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