Ukrainian Railways, known as Ukrzaliznytsia, has played a crucial role in the country's economy since the onset of the conflict with Russia in February 2022. The state-owned rail company has been instrumental in evacuating people from frontline regions, distributing goods across Ukraine, and exporting grain to support global food security.
"At the time when everything stopped, when the airlines halted flights to Ukraine, Ukrainian Railways remained the key lifeline, not just for passenger movement, but also for cargo and our economy," said Oleksandr Pertsovsky, CEO of Ukrainian Railways.
Despite facing regular attacks on its infrastructure that have damaged at least 126 railway stations and over 500 kilometers of tracks by November 2024, Ukrainian Railways continues to focus on restoring and increasing its carrying capacity to ensure essential goods reach communities and businesses.
The World Bank's Repairing Essential Logistics Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (RELINC) project is aiding this effort. Financed by a $280 million grant from the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF), RELINC aims to restore critical rail and road connections along with operations at Ukraine’s Danube ports.
Through RELINC, Ukrainian Railways acquired equipment such as modular bridges and heavy-duty machinery to repair its network. This equipment facilitated the restoration of train services between regions previously cut off due to damage. "The use of the equipment has yielded results. In fact, we can say that a significant part of the work would have been more complicated or virtually impossible without this equipment,” said Ihor Yavnyi, Deputy Head of Department of Tracks and Constructions at Ukrainian Railways.
In addition to infrastructure repairs, Ukrainian Railways received 200 flatbed wagons to boost cargo capacity amid restrictions on sea transport. "Given the constraints of sea transportation, the primary goal of flatbed wagons is to help boost the country's export capacity," explained Yurii Niemchykov, director of corporate finance at Ukrainian Railways.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to transform railway infrastructure in western Ukraine by adapting it to European standards. Construction has begun on a 1435-mm European railway gauge from Chop to Uzhhorod with completion expected by mid-2025. "This will connect the regional center of Uzhhorod with the rest of Europe," noted Pertsovsky.
Adapting these gauges is anticipated to enhance connectivity with EU countries while promoting economic opportunities within Ukraine. "It will show businesses across Europe and worldwide that Ukraine is open for business," emphasized Pertsovsky.