Slovakia and Ukraine are actively working on launching a new direct rail connection. Find out about plans for new routes, modernization of border crossing points, and prospects for the development of international transport links between the two countries

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As part of its efforts to expand international transport links, Ukraine is actively working to establish a direct rail link with Slovakia. This project will not only improve transport accessibility between the two countries, but will also promote tourism and economic ties. We will tell you when the new trains will start running and which cities they will connect in the article below.

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Kyiv-Kosice train via Chop and extension of the route to Bratislava: details

According to Serhiy Derkach, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, a new rail link between Ukraine and Slovakia is to be launched by the end of 2024. The key route will be the Kyiv-Kosice train, which will run through Chop.

Summarizing the results of the second intergovernmental consultations with Slovakia, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal announced ambitious plans:

– The train is scheduled to start running in mid-December 2024.

– The route can potentially be extended to Bratislava.

– The train will also include cars to Vienna, which will expand the geography of the connection.

Development of the narrow gauge to Uzhhorod

In parallel with preparations for the launch of the main route, work is underway to expand the railway infrastructure. The construction of a narrow-gauge railway to Uzhhorod is currently underway, which will provide direct passenger service between Bratislava, Chop and Uzhhorod. This line is expected to be launched within the next two years.

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Development of border infrastructure and modernization of checkpoints

To ensure the efficient operation of the new rail routes and improve cross-border communication in general, active work is underway to modernize border checkpoints:

– Pavlovo-Matyovtse border crossing point: currently it operates asa cargo border crossing point, but it is planned to expand to serve passenger traffic. This will allow for a shorter route connecting Uzhhorod with Kosice and Bratislava in the future.

– Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke checkpoint: By the end of 2024, it is planned to reconstruct the existing terminal and build a new one, which includes: expanding the checkpoint for pedestrians, installing new equipment, and new lanes for vehicles. This is expected to increase the daily throughput by 1000 vehicles.

– Malyi Berezny-Ubl'a checkpoint: The main goal is to relieve the traffic at the Uzhhorod checkpoint, and therefore, the checkpoint is planning to increase the capacity to allow trucks up to 5 tons to cross the border.

All these changes will not only make traveling between Ukraine and Slovakia easier, but will also be an important step towards the integration of the Ukrainian transportation system with the European network.

We remind you! Ukrainians and foreigners can travel between Ukraine and the European Union by train. Train services depart from a number of Ukrainian cities and are connected to various countries, including neighboring countries. However, not all tickets can be purchased directly from Ukrzaliznytsia. Read our previous article to find out where and how to buy them.

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