The first and only project in the BORDERS priority of the Programme has been launched – Improvement of the quality and safety of cross-border railway connections by works on the line No. 101 in Werchrata and at Lviv railway station (acronym Rail-UP).
The Rail-UP project is a strategic, large infrastructure project implemented in partnership by JSC Polish Railways (PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A.) and JSC Ukrainian Railways („Ukrzaliznytsia”). Its total budget is nearly 11 MEUR, 90% of which is co-financed by the PL–UA Programme.
The main objective of the project is to modernise key railway infrastructure on both sides of the border – on the Polish side in the village of Werchrata, on the Ukrainian side through a comprehensive modernisation of Lviv railway station, with a strong focus on accessibility for people with reduced mobility. The project involves modernisation of railway tracks at Werchrata station, replacement of the road surface, and upgrading of the railway-road crossing, as well as the modernisation of a viaduct and a railway bridge. The Ukrainian partner in the project will rebuild one of the platforms at Lviv railway station to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Lifts, escalators and ramps will be installed, and a new staircase will be built. These improvements will also support Ukraine’s integration with the European Union by implementing EU standards for railway infrastructure accessibility.
In addition to infrastructure works, Rail-UP places strong emphasis on cross-border cooperation between Polish and Ukrainian border services. Project partners will exchange experience and good practices during joint training sessions, focusing on managing increased traffic capacity, improving the efficiency of border procedures, and strengthening security measures.
As a result of the project, the partners estimate that approximately 3 million passengers per year will benefit from the improved railway infrastructure, including vulnerable groups, injured soldiers, and elderly passengers. Strengthening railway connections will provide a sustainable alternative to congested road transport routes, contributing to the creation of safer and more efficient transport corridors. Ultimately, the project will increase travel comfort and enhance security in the border region.
We look forward to the first tangible results of the project and invite you to follow its progress.
More information about the Rail-UP project can be found HERE.