Ukraine’s First European Standard-Gauge Railway Opens.
Recently, workers put Ukraine’s 22km European standard-gauge railway (Uzhhorod to Chop) into use.
The EU funded the line with €28.6 million.It makes Uzhhorod Ukraine’s first region with direct standard-gauge links to the EU.
Moreover, it’s a key step for Ukraine’s railway modernization and EU integration.
It also sends major market signals to the railway equipment industry.
Previously, Ukraine’s railways used 1520mm broad gauge.
This gauge clashed with Europe’s 1435mm standard, hindering cross-border transport efficiency.
The project started construction in April 2024. Workers did tasks like laying concrete sleepers and installing signal systems.
EU funding and technical support backed it, so workers finished it ahead of the original 14-month schedule.
This is just the start of the shift.By 2026, the EU has pledged an extra €110 million.The money will go to building a standard-gauge railway linking Poland and Lviv.
Workers will also extend the line to Ukraine’s Black Sea ports.
This will create a “Europe-Ukraine-Central Asia” freight corridor. Additionally, Ukrainian Railways plans to electrify this section in 2026.Later, it will build another standard-gauge line from Lviv to Kyiv.
A representative from Linzhou Public Service Railway Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. spoke up.
He said the company has strong expertise in concrete sleepers and rail accessories. Its production processes and quality control meet European standards.Furthermore, the company is equipped to serve international projects.
It’s closely watching market trends.It also hopes to contribute to cross-border railway construction with its product solutions.
Ukraine’s railway construction faces challenges like safety risks and funding gaps.
However, standard-gauge conversion is irreversible. Industry insiders believe this will open growth space for equipment makers.
Firms with technical and quality edges—like LTRF—are also well-placed to seize opportunities.
