Kiev planning to start construction of 2nd European-gauge line to Romanian border in 2026

MOSCOW. March 25 (Interfax) - Construction of a European-gauge line between Ukraine's Chernovtsy and Romania's Suceava will begin in 2026, Ukrainian media said, citing Ukrainian Deputy Finance Minister Alexander Kava.

"Construction of a European-gauge line to Chernovtsy from Suceava, Romania, may begin next year in case of an optimistic scenario. [...] The project's feasibility study is being prepared. Chernovtsy can become the second regional center after Uzhgorod with access to a European-gauge line within the city limits," Kawa said at a conference in Kiev.

Construction of a European-gauge line between Chop and Uzhgorod is continuing with 50/50 financing by Connecting Europe Facilities (CEF) and the Ukrainian budget. This European-gauge line is due to commence operation in summer 2025, Kava said.

"This [Chop-Uzhgorod European-gauge line] will allow launching direct passenger train service from Uzhgorod to Budapest, Bratislava, Prague, Vienna and Dresden, as well as well cargo transportation to Europe by a European-gauge line," he said.

As reported, Ukrainian Railways made temporary amendments to the schedule of certain passenger trains to Uzhgorod until the end of July because of the extensive work on laying a European-gauge line between Chop and Uzhgorod.