Railway Track in Ukraine: Development Plans and Prospects for European Integration

The railway track in Ukraine will be developed with a focus on container transport and maintaining the 1520 mm gauge. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This announcement was made by the Director of Strategy and Transformation at Ukrzaliznytsia, Oleh Yakovenko, during the VI International Rail Expo Conference. He emphasized that the 1520 mm track will be supported alongside gradual development of the 1435 mm network, allowing Ukraine to enhance transport capacity and strengthen its connection with the European Union.

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According to Yakovenko, the development of the 1435 mm network follows the updated EU regulation governing the expansion of the European transport network. This regulation includes plans to extend the network into Ukraine, which will enhance the country’s transport connections with the EU. The expansion includes four transport corridors that will pass through Ukraine and span over 3,300 km. Yakovenko noted that nearly all corridors pass through Lviv, transforming the city into a significant rail hub to advance Ukraine’s railway integration with Europe.

Railway Track in Ukraine and Prospects for European Integration

The new railway routes are primarily focused on container transport, while the traditional network will remain dedicated to transporting grain, ore, and other goods. This approach optimizes logistics capabilities, meeting market needs while preserving Ukraine’s traditional freight focus. Yakovenko also highlighted the importance of focusing on developing new routes, including the Trans-Caspian transport route and routes through Turkey toward India.

Developing Ukraine’s Railway Track: Modernization and New Routes

Through this initiative, Ukraine plans to actively participate in programs like the Global Gateway, aiming to strengthen infrastructure and integrate with international transport networks. Such measures will improve Ukraine’s connectivity with European markets and reduce dependency on outdated logistics solutions. Strengthening European integration and international cooperation will be essential for enhancing infrastructure and expanding the railway sector’s capabilities.

It is also noteworthy that over 9,000 km of Ukraine’s railway track currently operates with overdue maintenance, requiring immediate attention and upgrades.

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