The Chelm-Kovel train, which the Ukrainian Railways public joint-stock company (Ukrzaliznytsia) will launch on June 11, may be extended to Lutsk and Lviv. The Ministry of Infrastructure announced this in a statement, citing Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelian.
According to the relevant plan, one pair of trains will initially be operated, subsequently increasing to 2-3 pairs, depending on passenger volumes.
In the first stage of the project, border and customs controls are expected to take place at the Ukrainian station Yahodin and the Polish station Dorohusk. Later, border and customs controls will be performed while the train is in motion.
The minister noted that a new Lviv-Krakow train is also planned for launch on August 1.
"The Ukrainian-EU rail passenger traffic will reach at least 100,000 passengers per month before the end of the year. Przemysl and Chelm have created hubs for links with other cities in Poland and Europe," Omelian said at a news briefing.
As reported, Ukraine also intends to launch a train between Uzhhorod and Kosice (Slovakia). In addition, negotiations on launch of a railway link between Mukacheve and Budapest are underway. Ukraine and Bulgaria are also discussing the launch of a Kyiv-Sofia train.
