Ukrzaliznytsia, with USAID assistance, plans to build Eurocolony from Polish border to Lviv
Ukrzaliznytsia to build a Eurocolony from the border with Poland with the assistance of USAID (photo: uz.gov.ua)
Ukrzaliznytsia, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will construct a European-standard railway line from the Mostyska station, located on the border with Poland, to Lviv. The relevant memorandum was signed on November 24, 2023, according to Ukrzaliznytsia's press service.
"One of the crucial tasks to enhance export capabilities is the modernization and replacement of railway tracks, and if necessary, the construction of new ones. The signing of the Memorandum with USAID will significantly impact the recovery of the Ukrainian economy and contribute to overall Eurointegration processes," stated Vice Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov.
According to him, it is important that the constructed railway will be utilized not only for freight but also for passenger transport towards European Union countries.
The plan for the section from Mostyska to Lviv involves constructing a European-standard railway with a gauge width of 1435 mm.
"On Ukraine's path to the EU, we continue to implement infrastructure projects aimed at Eurointegration. Alongside the development of land border crossings, we are working on extending the 1435 mm gauge railway throughout the country. One of the most promising sections is the Mostyska–Lviv route. It has the potential to facilitate the development of both freight and passenger transportation towards EU countries," stated Eugene Lysychenko, the Chairman of the Board of Ukrzaliznytsia.
What is known about the Eurocolony
The European or standard gauge is a railway gauge with a width of 1435 mm. It is considered the worldwide standard gauge for railway transportation. Approximately 60% of all railways globally use the standard gauge.
In Ukraine and other countries where the standard gauge is wider, at 1520 mm, the 1435 mm gauge is conventionally referred to as "narrow gauge." However, it is not actually narrow because it is used for extensive mainline railways, accommodating rolling stock with dimensions, weights, and speeds comparable to other broad-gauge lines.
Previously, an expert explained in a column for RBC-Ukraine when Ukraine will adopt the European gauge and why it is important.
