The launch of a train from Kovel to Poland is tentatively planned for summer 2017. Two possible routes are being considered: to the Polish border town of Dorohusk or to Lublin through Chelm.
This was announced after a meeting held by the governor of the Volyn region, the CFTS reports, citing Volynskyі News.
The Polish side is insisting that the train should cross the border and reach Dorohusk, where passengers will be able to transfer to trains traveling to various Polish cities. However, the Ukrainian authorities and railways are proposing operating the train to Lublin. It is also necessary for the train to stop at Chelm, which is a transit hub from which about 12 trains travel to various destinations in Poland and Europe.
According to Yurii Kresak, the head of the Volyn regional administration’s department of management, investment, and European integration, the negotiations between the Ukrainian and Polish sides have shown that operation of the route will require the Ukrainian side to purchase a dual-wagon rail bus with 180 seats. It will cost at least EUR 5 million.
Rail tracks of the European-standard gauge reach Kovel.
The participants in the project have not yet stated the exact date of launch of the route, but they considering summer 2017.
Ihor Romankiv, the director of passenger transportation and services at the Ukrainian Railways public joint-stock company (Ukrzaliznytsia) recently spoke about the prospect of launching a train to Chelm because a 1520-mm rail track reaches the city. "The next train may be launched to Chelm, where there is a 1520-mm rail track. Other destinations in Europe are also being considered, particularly in the Baltic States, for the medium term," said Romankiv.
