Ukraine to study standard gauge rail link to Slovakia

UKRAINE: An agreement to undertake detailed studies for two projects to improve rail links between the Zakarpattia region and neighbouring EU countries has been signed by the Ministry of Reconstruction, Infrastructure & Transport, national railway Ukrzaliznytsia and the Public-Private Partnership Agency. The two projects are the reconstruction of railway infrastructure on the Uzhhorod – Pavlovo – Slovakian border line, including the reinstatement and electrification of the former 1 435 mm gauge track from Slovakia which once paralleled the 1 520 mm gauge track, and modernisation of existing infrastructure on the Korolevo – Khust route to Romania.

Feasibility studies are to be commissioned with the support of the World Bank’s Prepare programme which is being implemented by the PPP Agency. The aim is to produce investment-ready proposals which can be used to seek financing from international banks and the EU.

The ministry said the introduction of European standard gauge railways in western Ukraine would make rail transport more modern, fast and reliable for passengers and freight, improving daily transport services and helping exports while also bringing Ukraine closer to full transport integration with the EU.

‘The development of cross-border railway connections with EU countries and the expansion of the European gauge network is a key infrastructure priority for Ukraine’s integration into the European transport system’, said Deputy Minister for Reconstruction, Infrastructure & Transport Volodymyr Shemayev on October 16.

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