Ukraine's railway infrastructure is on the verge of a major transformation aimed at full integration with the European transport network. The project to extend the 1435 mm standard European-gauge railway from the Polish border to Lviv's central passenger station is designed to radically change passenger transport logistics, ensuring seamless connectivity between Ukraine and EU countries.
Development strategy: Combining two standards
Oleg Yakovenko, Director of the Strategy and Transformation Department at Ukrzaliznytsia, emphasized that the integration of the European track does not involve dismantling or abandoning the existing 1520 mm standard network. Both standards will coexist, performing their specific roles. The broad gauge (1520 mm) will retain its key role in domestic freight and passenger transport, while the European gauge (1435 mm) will act as a "gateway to Europe," providing direct access to international corridors.
Route and key hubs
A key object of the current development stage is the 80-kilometer section "Mostyska – Skadliv." Although Sknyliv was previously considered as a potential terminal, the current concept shifts focus to the Lviv Main Railway Station as the end point for passenger service. Sknyliv will retain its function as an important multimodal hub for processing freight traffic, with access to both gauges.
Prospects and international context
The successful launch of the first European-gauge line in Uzhhorod on September 6, 2025, set a vector for future projects. Currently, feasibility studies are being conducted for the extension of the line to Lviv. Other infrastructure projects are being considered in parallel, including a European-gauge line between Chernivtsi and Suceava, Romania, which would make Chernivtsi the second regional center after Uzhhorod with direct access to the European network.
Contradictory data
Discussions have arisen regarding the priority of Sknyliv. The Ministry of Communities and Territories Development focused on Sknyliv as a key hub in 2025, but current Ukrzaliznytsia management (as of September 2026) emphasizes that passenger traffic must be integrated with the central Lviv station, while Sknyliv is being reoriented toward freight and multimodal requirements.
