The European Commission has presented a comprehensive plan for modernizing railway infrastructure, which includes investments of €540 billion by 2050. The main goal of the program is to create high-speed corridors that will connect all key railway hubs in the European Union by 2040. Most of these lines will be designed for speeds of up to 250 km/h and above, with a minimum standard of 200 km/h. The implementation of the project is expected to overcome stagnation in passenger transportation and contribute to fulfilling the EU’s environmental commitments.
This is reported by Finway
Needs and Challenges for Ukrzaliznytsia
In parallel with the EU plans, the head of Ukrzaliznytsia, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, reported that for the stable operational activities of the company in 2026, it is necessary to attract ₴48.8 billion to cover liquidity shortages. This amount does not include payments on Eurobonds, which are planned to be restructured. Funding is expected to be secured through internal optimization, tariff changes, and state support for passenger transportation.
The European Commission expects that the initiative will lift passenger rail transport out of stagnation and contribute to achieving environmental goals.
Financial Forecasts and Losses
According to forecasts from Ukrzaliznytsia, losses from passenger transportation could reach ₴21.9 billion in 2025. Additionally, a significant reduction in revenues from freight transportation is anticipated: while this figure was ₴20.4 billion in 2024, it is projected to be only ₴3.2 billion in 2025. In 2026, despite a possible increase in freight volumes, a loss of ₴0.6 billion is expected, which, according to forecasts, will increase to ₴4.8 billion in 2027.