JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” (“UZ”) and Spain’s national railway operator Renfe have agreed on a strategic partnership aimed at developing freight and passenger transportation, according to a company statement released on Friday.
“Ukrzaliznytsia and Renfe—Spain’s national railway operator, with over 80 years of experience in passenger transport and more than 30 years of operating high-speed trains—have agreed on a strategic partnership,” UZ wrote on its Telegram channel.
The agreement is expected to cover the implementation of technologies for automatic gauge change, the establishment of interconnection points between different systems, and the planning of the development of the European gauge.
Among other things, the companies will explore opportunities to develop and organize passenger routes on the 1,435 mm gauge in Ukraine, both on existing lines and on sections that are under construction or planned for construction.
Furthermore, the memorandum provides for cooperation in the field of freight transport and intermodal logistics between Ukraine and the countries of the European Union.
“Ukrzaliznytsia, for its part, will share its unique experience in ensuring the continuity of transportation, the rapid restoration of infrastructure, and the resilience of the railway system amid a full-scale war,” the statement reads.
As part of this collaboration, technical teams will exchange expertise in modern traffic control and safety systems, as well as in increasing capacity and improving service quality for passengers and shippers.
The parties will also work on further developing barrier-free infrastructure and rolling stock for people with disabilities and other mobility-impaired groups.
Ukrzaliznytsia clarified that the cooperation is formalized by a memorandum with Renfe’s subsidiary, Renfe Proyectos Internacionales Sociedad Mercantil Estatal (RPI).
