TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES: UKRAINE IN THE RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

In the article, an attempt is made to understand the reasons for the following important question: «Why is the delivery of goods and passenger transportation by rail between Ukraine and European countries different and not meeting European standards?» The historical prerequisites for the development of railway transport in Ukraine and other European countries are analyzed. Attention is focused on the difference in track width. It is highlighted that the historical factors of the formation of the track width are an integral part of the present, in addition, they have a direct impact on many processes, primarily economic. Specific technical and legislative problems that prevent Ukrzaliznytsia from quickly integrating into the railway network of the European Union are outlined. Recommendations are given to eliminate contradictions in this direction. A logical step, taking into account the current state of the railway infrastructure of Ukraine, for the realization of such goals would be to make a decision to build new high-speed railway lines 1435 mm deep into Ukraine from its borders with countries that widely use such a track width. This completely eliminates the problems created today at the borders by tracks of different widths for both passenger and freight transport.The implementation of the project is proposed to be divided into two stages: 1) construction of 2,672 km – gauge 1435 mm west-central part of Ukraine of which: 2 junction with Poland; 1 link with Slovakia; 1 link with Hungary; 1 link with Romania; 2) 2,434 km. gauge 1435 mm, central-eastern part of UkraineThe expected period of implementation of the 1435mm Ukraine project, including the feasibility study, implementation of the preliminary design, technical design and construction, will last approximately 5 years. Such a short period of work would be possible under the following conditions: continuity and timeliness of funding; simultaneous work on all areas; simultaneous use during construction works of a wide track (1520 mm); use of experience of experts of European companies; participation in the construction process of enterprises belonging to the structure of Ukrzaliznytsia.