Ukrzaliznytsia launches European tracks to Lviv and Chernivtsi: how this will change travel.

The company Ukrzaliznytsia is preparing to lay European standard tracks to several Ukrainian cities. Passengers on the company will feel changes on the Chop - Uzhhorod route, and in the future, these changes will also affect Lviv and Chernivtsi.

Where European tracks will be laid

Changes in the direction of bringing Ukrainian railway tracks to European standards will spread to the western cities of Ukraine, including Chernivtsi, Uzhhorod, and Lviv. The head of Ukrzaliznytsia believes that international trips from these cities will be in demand even after the opening of air corridors and the resumption of aviation flights.

'It takes a long time to travel by train from Kyiv to Vienna, but from Lviv you can easily reach Vienna, Prague, Krakow, and Warsaw by overnight train or Intercity,' the head of Ukrzaliznytsia emphasized.

The construction of European tracks will enable the connection of Ukrainian cities with European Union countries, where passengers and cargo can transfer to international trains. This will speed up both passenger and freight transport processes.

Olexandr Pertzovskyi confirmed that the European track from Chop to Uzhhorod is practically ready, although the work was planned to be completed by 2025. The project cost was 1.3 billion hryvnias, half of which was financed by the European Union fund 'Connecting Europe Facility' (CEF). The next stage will be the construction of European tracks from the border with Poland to Lviv.

'After the works are completed, Ukrainian trains will be able to travel to Poland and EU countries without transfers, gauge changes, and stops at the border', the Ministry of Community Development and Territories reported.

Will European tracks cover all of Ukraine?

The head of Ukrzaliznytsia noted that currently there are no plans to cover the entire territory of Ukraine with European tracks, as broad gauge of 1,520 mm is better suited for domestic freight transport.

In Europe, the standard track width is 1,435 mm, used by about 60% of all railways. The issue of integration arose a long time ago but became critical after the start of the full-scale war when rail transport became the only alternative for delivering goods.

Recently, Ukrzaliznytsia updated the rules for transporting animals on trains, allowing travel in all types of cars with large dogs (over 45 cm at the withers) provided that a separate place is purchased, veterinary documents, a leash, and a muzzle are available.

It has also been noted that in 2024 Hungary recorded the highest increase in well-being in Europe (+18.6%). Italy showed the best growth figures, while the USA experienced only +2.3%. There was a decrease in median well-being in Turkey and Belgium.

Ukrzaliznytsia is preparing to lay European tracks in some Ukrainian cities, which will increase convenience and speed in international rail transport, and will also contribute to the development of tourism and economic integration with EU countries.