Ukraine, Spain launch pilot project to develop Ukrainian railways

MOSCOW. June 28 (Interfax) - Ukraine and Spain are launching a pilot project to develop Ukrainian railways by EU standards, Ukrainian media said, citing the Restoration Ministry's press service.

Spain is ready to give financial assistance to the development of Ukrainian railways and has respective companies, practices and ready solutions, the ministry said.

"Modernization of the railway network, including corridors, by TEN-T standards and renovation of the rolling stock are crucial to us. Please note that both Ukraine and Spain have the railway track with a width different from the European standard gauge. Therefore, we are interested in your help to develop a system of automatic gauge change for moving trains. We seek to attract your technical and financial support to develop our railways," the statement quoted acting Restoration Minister Vasily Shkurakov as saying.

In turn, Spanish Economy, Trade and Business Minister Carlos Cuerpo Caballero called cooperation with Ukraine promising and useful for both sides and said the European gauge development would be important.

The ministry said that Ukraine started building a European (1,435mm) gauge line between Chop and Lvov this year as part of the renovated TEN-T Mediterranean corridor. The project is one of the first steps to implement the strategy of European integration of Ukrainian and Moldovan transportation systems and the TEN-T development in Ukraine.

It also said that the sides discussed direct investment in production in Ukraine, development of Ukrainian seaports, patronage over Ukrainian cities and regions, the energy situation, business cooperation, and the revival of tourism and air travel.