DIFFERENCE RESEARCH OF UKRAINIAN AND EUROPEAN RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE

Abstract

Purpose. The article is aimed to analyze the main differences of the Ukrainian railway infrastructure, comparing both with the neighboring countries at the western border and with the countries to which the 1520 mm track can be drawn, taking into account the direction of the main freight traffic volume from East to West. It is also aimed to provide quantitative and qualitative assessment of technical compatibility and other indicators of railway networks in relation to the territory of Ukraine. Methodology. To obtain data on infrastructure and transportation volumes in the mentioned countries, a world literature review on this subject was performed using full-text and statistical databases. The methodology involves the analysis and systematization of the information obtained to establish relevant dependencies, conclusions and proposals. Findings. It is proved that international transportations through the territory of Ukraine have certain features. Changing the railway track standards at the border with European countries forces to search for the most rational routes for cargo transportation (taking into account the distance, technical condition and parameters of international transport corridors, delivery speed, etc.) and rational technologies for the goods transfer at border points, which make it possible to take these transportations to an innovative path of development. Originality. Based on the positive experience, first of all of the European Union countries, the authors have shown that with the presence of efficient transport network and a developed system of cargo transfer at the points of changing the railway infrastructure standards, both domestic and transit freight traffic volumes significantly increase, which makes it possible to increase the attractiveness of the country in the international transportation system. Practical value. Based on the obtained results, it is shown that the Ukrainian railway transport can be integrated into the European transport network, providing the modernization of track, engineering structures and other facilities included in the railway infrastructure, the introduction of new rolling stock, which will ensure passenger transportations by day trains with the required comfort and maximal set speed.