UKRAINE OPENS FIRST EU STANDARD-GAUGE RAILWAY LINE
On 5 September, Ukraine inaugurated its first railway line built on the European standard track gauge of 1,435 mm, marking a significant step in integrating the country’s transport network with the EU. The €28.6 million project covered the construction of the standard-gauge track, upgrades to signalling and communication systems, and the refurbishment of station platforms and buildings.
The 22-kilometre line, financed through an EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grant and a European Investment Bank loan, links the cities of Uzhhorod, on the Slovak border, and Chop, close to the Hungarian border. The new connection will enable seamless rail travel from Ukraine to EU cities such as Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna, eliminating delays previously caused by gauge changes at the border.
The line is also expected to increase freight volumes by offering a more efficient logistics solution, with a positive impact on trade between Ukraine and the EU.