The Ukrainian Railways joint-stock company (JSC Ukrzaliznytsia) launched a strategic program to expand European-standard tracks across Ukraine in 2023-2024. As part of this program, the active phase of the construction of European-gauge tracks between Chop and Uzhhorod is currently underway. Ukrzaliznytsia is relaying and aligning broad-gauge tracks on the Strumkivka - Chop railway stretch, where a parallel European-gauge track will also be laid in the future.
Ukrzaliznytsia announced this in a statement, the CFTS portal reports.
According to the statement, 3.5 kilometers of the required 8.3 kilometers of track have already been laid. The work is expected to be completed this year. In addition, a bridge has been repaired, and related utility lines are being upgraded.
"Over the past year, we have laid the groundwork for the implementation of several infrastructure projects related to European integration. In particular, we have secured the financing, prepared the design documentation, and already begun implementing some of these projects. The largest of these projects is the construction of a European-gauge railway between Uzhhorod and Chop, which Ukrzaliznytsia should complete on schedule," said Yevhen Liaschenko, chairman of the board of Ukrzaliznytsia.
There will be two parallel tracks between Uzhhorod and Chop: a broad-gauge (1520 mm) and European-gauge (1435 mm) tracks.
The total cost of the project is UAH 1.3 billion, 50% of which will be provided through the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grant program. Ukrzaliznytsia secured the opportunity to implement this project by successfully participating in the CEF project selection competition in 2022.
