Ukraine and Poland sign landmark railway agreement after almost 30 years
Ukraine and Poland have signed an agreement aimed at developing passenger and freight train services between the two nations, Yevhen Liashchenko, the head of Ukraine’s national railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia, has said in a press release issued by the Ukrainian rail operator on Aug. 28.
Liashchenko said the agreement marks a significant milestone, representing the most substantial pact between the rail systems of both countries since 1994.
The agreement between the Polish operator Polskie Koleje Panstwowe Spolka Akcyjna (PKP S.A.) and Ukrzaliznytsia was formally signed on Aug. 28.
“We’re taking another important step towards fortifying the partnership and development of railway transportation between Ukraine and Poland,” said Liashchenko.
“Together, we will continue to enhance border infrastructure and increase passenger and cargo traffic between our countries, ultimately yielding positive effects for our railways and the national economies of Ukraine and Poland.”
As outlined in the agreement, PKP S.A. will collaborate with Ukrzaliznytsia to establish individual accords related to railway infrastructure management, cargo, and passenger train transportation. Joint working groups will be formed to facilitate the negotiation of separate agreements.
The cornerstone of this agreement is to ensure secure and uninterrupted transportation of passengers and cargo. Furthermore, the companies have agreed that operations involving the transloading of cargo to railcars with different track gauges will be carried out not only by the receiving carrier at the border station within their respective territories but also, upon mutual agreement, by the carrier transfering the cargo at the border station within its territory.
Regarding locomotive haulage for freight transportation between border stations in both directions, a balanced 50/50 arrangement will be implemented, utilizing locomotives and crews from both Ukrzaliznytsia and PKP S.A.
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