The Ukrainian Railways joint-stock company (Ukrzaliznytsia) has signed memorandums of understanding and cooperation with Lithuanian Railways (LTG).
The companies signed the documents at the 2023 Transport Logistic exhibition in Munich (Germany), the CFTS portal reports.
Ukrzaliznytsia and Lithuanian Railways agreed to implement the FREE Rail program jointly.
"It aims to strengthen relations in the area of rail transport and increase the throughput capacity and interoperability of transport infrastructure in line with the constantly increasing freight and passenger flows through Lithuania and Ukraine," Ukrzaliznytsia said in a statement.
The program provides for the creation of a railway system that is compatible, stable, and independent of aggressor countries, as well as for the development of freight and passenger transportation on 1520-mm gauge tracks between the two countries.
By implementing the project, the parties aim to create a uniform railway operating system for a 1520-mm-gauge network in terms of technical standards, IT systems, regulations, or any type of Rail Transport Council certification.
The program also provides for developing alternative transport corridors between the Baltic Sea ports and Ukrainian ports, bypassing Russia and Belarus and further reducing the dependence on Russian and Belarusian transit cargo flows.
