Ukrzaliznytsia Begins Work On Electrification Of Kovel-Izov-State Border Railway Stretch

The Ukrainian Railways joint-stock company (Ukrzaliznytsia) has begun work on the electrification of the 94-kilometer Kovel-Izov-state border railway stretch, and the main work is expected to begin in the summer.

Ukrzaliznytsia’s acting head Ivan Yurik announced this during a working visit to Izov, the CFTS portal reports.

"It is currently one of the most ambitious and important projects that will increase the export potential of our country. In addition, the electrification of the railway is relevant against the backdrop of rising prices of diesel fuel, as well as the country's energy independence," Yurik said.

According to him, the electrification project will enable Ukrzaliznytsia to increase the weight of freight trains on the railway stretch from 4,600 to 6,000 tons, increase its throughput, and reduce the delivery time of goods.

At the same time, more than 11 kilometers of tracks will be reconstructed, over 7 kilometers of tracks will be overhauled, and almost 6 kilometers will undergo medium repairs on the Kovel-Izov-state border railway stretch. In addition, railway workers will repair six platforms and 18 office buildings.

"In addition to the annual economic impact, which is estimated at more than UAH 200 million, we will reduce the emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere by 12,000 tons per year and significantly reduce noise levels," added Yurik.

The main type of freight transported on this railway stretch is iron ore from enterprises in the Kryvyi Rih region, which is intended for steel plants in Poland.

This freight is currently transported on electrified railway stretches to the Kovel station, from where it is subsequently transported on diesel traction on the Kovel-Izov-state border railway stretch, which is the most costly section of this route.

"Thanks to electrification of this route, we will see not only an increase in traffic in the direction of Poland in the future, but also an increase in freight transit through the territory of Ukraine, which will have a positive effect on the company's revenues and the country's economy as a whole," he said.

As the CFTS previously reported, Ukrzaliznytsia plans to begin the construction of a stationary traction substation at the Kovel station in the near future. The design work has already been completed.