Ukrzaliznytsia has launched the construction of a new European standard gauge railway line between Chop and Uzhhorod. The project was officially launched on 11 April in the presence of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Ukrzaliznytsia Chairman Yevhen Liashchenko. The project is part of Ukraine's strategic initiative to integrate its railway infrastructure with the European Union, improving passenger comfort and logistical capacity for freight transport.
The new railway, the first of its kind to connect Uzhhorod directly to European rail networks, is expected to significantly improve transit connections and reduce pressure on road checkpoints. "Uzhhorod will be the first regional center to be connected to Europe by a European-style railway," said Prime Minister Shmyhal. He highlighted the project's potential to redistribute passenger flows and create new logistical opportunities for freight transport.
Yevhen Liashchenko detailed the project's scope and funding, noting that the preparatory phase is nearing completion, with major construction set to begin in May. The project, with a budget of €34.2 million, is expected to be completed within 14 months and includes the construction of 22 kilometers of track to European standards. It will be supported by a 50% grant co-financing from the EU's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), a testament to Ukrzaliznytsia's successful bid in the CEF competitive selection process last year.
Further improvements to the Chop-Uzhhorod line will include the reconstruction of associated infrastructure and the installation of advanced railway technology features such as two-way semi-automatic interlocking and microprocessor-based dispatching equipment. These upgrades will enable the operation of direct passenger routes from Uzhhorod across Europe and facilitate seamless transfers from other regions of Ukraine.
Looking to the future, there are plans to electrify the new line and extend the European gauge towards Lviv, bringing it into line with major European transport corridors. This expansion would strengthen Lviv's connection to the Rhine-Danube and Mediterranean corridors and support the overall development of Ukraine's transport infrastructure to European standards.
