Ukraine to study standard gauge rail line linking Zakarpattia to Slovakia

Ukrainian authorities have signed an agreement to conduct detailed studies for two rail projects intended to improve transport links between the country's Zakarpattia region and neighbouring European Union states. RailTech and Railway Gazette International both report that the agreement was signed by the Ministry of Reconstruction, Infrastructure & Transport, state rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia, and the Public-Private Partnership Agency. [1][2]

The planned infrastructure work includes the reconstruction of railway tracks on the line between Uzhhorod and Pavlovo, according to RailTech. The studies will evaluate rebuilding the route to standard gauge, which uses a track width of 1,435 millimetres. [1][5]

Most railway infrastructure in Ukraine is state-owned through Ukrzaliznytsia, which holds a monopoly on rail transport in the country. Standard gauge track is the most widely used railway gauge globally, accounting for approximately 60 percent of lines worldwide. [4][5]

The project aims to improve cross-border links between Ukraine and its western neighbours. Slovakia, which borders Ukraine, joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro currency in 2009. [1][7]