EU-standard railway to Uzhhorod launches in July; Chernivtsi, Lviv and Lutsk next

The construction of a European-gauge railway line between Chop and Uzhhorod is nearing completion and is scheduled to begin operation in July, according to Deputy Finance Minister Oleksandr Kava in an interview with Ukrinform.

"We are working to extend the European gauge to as many nearby cities as possible. Next month, we plan to launch the Chop–Uzhhorod European-standard railway. This will allow direct passenger train service from Uzhhorod to Budapest, Košice, Vienna, and Bratislava," Kava said.

Preparatory work for the extension of the European gauge is also underway in Chernivtsi and Lviv. Lutsk is expected to follow as the next potential city to receive a European-gauge connection.

"This is the most feasible solution for ensuring high-quality connectivity over the next four to five years," Kava added.

At the same time, a full-scale replacement of Ukraine’s railway infrastructure with European-gauge tracks is not considered economically viable. Kava cited Finland as an example—a country that retained its broad-gauge system, identical to Ukraine’s 1520 mm standard, even after joining the European Union.

According to Kava, broad-gauge tracks offer significant logistical advantages for freight transport. Trains on Ukraine’s current network can carry between 5,000 and 6,000 tonnes, compared to around 2,000 tonnes on standard-gauge tracks in the EU. Freight wagons also benefit from larger dimensions.

To address compatibility with European rail networks, Ukraine is focusing on containerization and the development of a network of container terminals along its western borders.

• In most EU countries, including Ukraine’s western neighbors, the track gauge is 1,435 mm. Ukraine, by contrast, uses the 1,520 mm gauge.
• On May 24, 2022, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced plans to gradually transition to the European standard. The first stage of this transition will connect major railway hubs and large cities, with further expansion of the European-gauge network expected over time.