Ukraine and Spain are developing a railway project that will compete with sea transportation
31.10.2024 - 11:58
The joint transport project involves the creation of an automatic track width change system and is valued at 15 billion euros.
“Ukrzaliznytsia” in cooperation with the Spanish operator ADIF plans to implement an automatic track width change system for 1520 mm / 1435 mm / 1668 mm. Oleg Yakovenko, a representative of UZ, reported this, Rail.Insider writes.
“There is a Mediterranean corridor. It will completely pass through Europe from west to east. From Spain to Lviv. We expect, as part of communication with various operators and carriers, to agree on end-to-end competitive tariffs. If everything is done correctly, it can compete with the sea,” Yakovenko emphasized.
The system provides two options: two-position (1520 mm / 1435 mm) and three-position, which will allow switching between 1520 mm, 1435 mm and 1668 mm tracks. This will make it possible to deliver goods directly to Spain. “Ukrzaliznytsia” also plans to establish special tariffs to increase competitiveness with sea transportation.
Implementation of the initiative is planned for 2025, but two more years will be needed for full development and certification.
According to estimates of the JASPERS technical advisory service of the European Investment Bank, the cost of the project may reach 15 billion euros. Of this, 11 billion will be allocated for construction and 4 billion for additional costs such as depots, rolling stock and other infrastructure needed to support the system.
USM recently wrote that container transportation by rail has already reached pre-war levels.
