Ukraine’s Uzhhorod-Chop Rail: EU Integration & Future Plans

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Introduction

Ukrainian Railways (UZ) has launched the 22 km Uzhhorod – Chop standard gauge line, marking the first railway line based on the EU standard for track width and enhancing Ukraine’s transport integration with the European Union.

Project Overview

The new railway line reduces travel time between Uzhhorod and Chop, offering direct connections to key EU cities, including Košice (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary), and Vienna (Austria). This eliminates the need to change trains at the border, improving cross-border rail travel for passengers. The line is also designed to increase freight capacity, supporting more efficient logistics between Ukraine and the European Union.

Construction and Significance

The 22-kilometer stretch between Chop and Uzhhorod represents the first European-gauge railway built from scratch in modern Ukrainian history. According to Ukrainian Railways CEO Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, Uzhhorod is now the first regional center to have a direct European-gauge connection with EU countries, including Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna.

Financial Support

The Uzhhorod – Chop standard gauge line was funded through a grant from the European Commission under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), guaranteed by the EU’s Ukraine Facility programme. This project is part of a broader initiative to introduce European gauge railway lines across Ukrainian cities.

Future Plans

The Uzhhorod–Chop line is the initial step in a larger plan to construct 1,435 mm gauge tracks to other Ukrainian cities, such as Chernivtsi, Lviv, and Kovel. These projects, slated for implementation over the next four to five years, seek to strengthen rail links between Ukraine and the EU.

Conclusion

The Uzhhorod – Chop standard gauge line, supported by the Connecting Europe Facility and the European Investment Bank, is a significant step towards integrating Ukraine’s rail network with the European Union. This project aims to improve both passenger and freight transport, with further expansions planned for cities like Chernivtsi, Lviv, and Kovel.

Company Summary

Ukrainian Railways (UZ): The national railway company of Ukraine, responsible for the country’s rail infrastructure and operations. It is currently working to integrate its network with the European Union’s rail standards.

European Investment Bank (EIB): The lending institution of the European Union, providing financing for projects that support EU policy objectives.

European Commission: The executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, enforcing EU laws, and managing the EU’s budget.

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