Ukraine wants more train traffic with its western neighbors. “We have made our decision: we are going to Europe,” said the head of the state railway Olexander Kamyshin. “Ultimately, we need real integration into the European infrastructure.” New railway lines to neighboring countries and more freight capacity via European ports are needed.
Millions of Ukrainians fled the war, Kamyshin told the DPA in Berlin. “People will want to stay mobile, between countries.” During the war and after, there will be a lot of demand. In recent months, therefore, connections with Moldova, Romania and Poland have been expanded. “Despite the war, we laid 50 kilometers of new track. And we are building more, by the end of the year it will be twice as much.”
Strengthen freight corridors through European ports
It is also necessary to strengthen the freight corridors via the European ports. Ukraine Railway exports 1.5 to 2 million grains per month. “We could do five to seven million tons per month,” Kamyshin said. However, Europe’s freight corridors and seaports should be developed to bring more Ukrainian grain back to the Middle East, North Africa and China.
Kamyshin called on European railways to do business together. “We are under attack, we need weapons, financial aid and everything else. But ultimately we are an entrepreneurial nation.” Ukraine has millions of tons of cargo that could go to Europe. European railways expected additional revenue. “This is the best way Europe can help us: buy from us and do business with us.”
Always a target of attacks
The Ukrzaliznytsia state railway is considered the backbone for traffic in the country, which was rocked by the Russian war of aggression. Routes and train stations are always targets of attacks. According to Kamyshin, the company has lost 244 employees. Damaged and destroyed railway sections would be repaired as soon as possible, so that places can be supplied again, according to the railway boss. “Pace is our road to victory.”
According to the CEO, he is often on the road himself at the front or in recaptured areas and he also supervises mine clearance and repair work there. “It would be difficult for me to send employees to places I wouldn’t go myself.” On his first foreign trip since the start of the war, Kamyshin will visit the Innotrans rail technology fair in Berlin this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
