Ukraine prepares standard-gauge railway projects in Zakarpattia as EIB allocates €60 million for border crossings

Ukraine's Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) and the national Public-Private Partnership Agency signed a memorandum on 16 October covering the preparation of two railway projects. The first involves electrification and construction of a 1,435 mm standard-gauge railway along the Uzhhorod–Pavlovo–state border section. The second covers infrastructure modernisation on the Korolevo–Khust route, also in Zakarpattia. The parties will review the current status of both projects and commission feasibility studies to prepare them for future investment. This work will receive World Bank support through the PREPARE programme, implemented by Ukraine's Public-Private Partnership Agency. The memorandum concerns project preparation rather than construction contracts. Financing for the railway works has not yet been announced. €60 million for road border infrastructure On 21 October, the Ukrainian government confirmed a €60 million EIB loan for upgrading border crossing facilities with EU countries and Moldova. The investment will cover new and upgraded terminals, access roads, waiting areas and customs equipment. The European Commission will guarantee the loan through the Ukraine Investment Framework, with an additional €6 million EU grant and €2.5 million in technical assistance. The works will be implemented by Ukraine's Restoration Agency, focusing on border crossings along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).