Czech rail operator RegioJet confirms plans to invest in reconnecting Ukrainian railroad section to power grid

MOSCOW. Nov 10 (Interfax) - Czech rail operator RegioJet has reaffirmed its intention to invest in efforts to restore the connectivity of the Chop-Mukachevo railroad section in Ukraine to the power grid, RegioJet owner Radim Jancura said in an interview with Ukrainian media.

"If Ukrzaliznytsia [JSC Ukrainian Railways] supports us and contributes to the implementation of the project, we stand ready to invest in powering the Chop-Mukachevo section with electricity. I can't name the precise amount of investment for now, as we are awaiting approval from Ukrzaliznytsia. It will be our gift to Ukraine," Jancura said.

RegioJet also would like to extend its night train service to Mukachevo, he said.

Zakarpattia is one of the poorest tourist regions, and tourism will help develop Ukraine's mountainous and foothill regions, he said.

RegioJet's investment in acquiring trains for the Prague-Przemysl route stood at $15 million, Jancura said. These funds were raised through a loan. At first, this route was not profitable but has recently started to generate profit, as there are almost no empty seats on the trains.

As reported earlier, RegioJet planned to launch a Chop-Prague route from Ukraine in November.