Enhancing Railway Section Capacity, during Expansion of the European Railway Network

Abstract

The Trans-European Transport Network was established by the European Union to connect Europe from west to east and north to south through a transportation network. One of the challenges in organizing barrier-free railway connections across European countries is the varying track gauge. Some European countries continue to use gauges different from 1435 mm. The aim of this study is to provide a scientific justification for reconstruction options, for a railway section, taking into account technical, economic, and other aspects, as well as to develop recommendations for a successful transition to European track standards. In this work, the authors examined the Kovel-Sarny-Korosten section, which is part of the Warsaw-Kyiv route. This route is one of several options for upgrading to European gauge to create a continuous railway network between the European Union and Ukraine. The research methodology and scientific approaches may vary depending on the characteristics of the sections being considered. In this study, the authors implemented the following sequence of steps: determined the maximum freight capacity for each segment, assessed the existing capacity, analysed reconstruction measures, and evaluated the effectiveness of reconstruction options. The modernization of the railway corridor under consideration has significant potential to improve transport connectivity between Ukraine and Poland, as well as to stimulate economic development in the regions through which this route passes.