​The head of the Ukrainian Railways announced that after 17 years, trains are returning to the border line, to Valy Višeului. Oleksandr Kamisin writes on Twitter that Ukraine made the necessary repairs in two months, but waited another four months for CFR Infrastructure to complete its part of the work. In 2022, a new Ukrainian-made diesel train will run on the new route.

Ukraine proudly announced the return of Valya Viseu-Rakhiv passenger trains. The head of the Ukrainian Railways, however, “listened” to Romania, recalling that in August, at the height of the war, Ukraine completed repair work on the border, but had to wait another four months after CFR SA to complete the work on the Romanian side.

A brand-new diesel car was put on this line, which, according to Oleksandr Kamyshyn from the Ukrzaliznytsia company, was manufactured during those months of the war. Diesel wagons are manufactured by the Kryukiv Wagon Building Plant, which has been producing this model since 2019, the premiere of which took place on the line Kyiv – Boryspil International Airport.

Kamishin gave several reasons why the opening of the border is very good news. The sixth is the most interesting

• This will be useful for the export of goods, both countries will benefit and the connection with the port of Constanta will be opened.

• Now Ukrainians have a new connection with the EU. They can come to Vala Višeului, from where they have rail connections to cities such as Bucharest and Cluj.

• More than 30,000 Ukrainians live in Maramures County, and now they can visit their relatives and friends in Ukraine more easily.

• Romanians can visit Ukraine, especially since it is a mountainous area with ski resorts on the border with Romania. The railroad chief says it’s a safe zone.

• It is desirable to introduce passenger trains that will start from a Ukrainian city, transit through Romania and end in another Ukrainian city. For this, some border formalities need to be resolved.

Oleksandr Kamisin gave another reason that was more mysterious to him: “this is the sixth reason why this corridor is important, but it’s something we never talk about, if you understand me.” One can suspect that it is about military vehicles.

The state railway company “Ukrzaliznytsia” reported that since January 18, two trains a day will run between Rakhiv and Valya Vysheului. Departure from Rakhov at 6.10, respectively at 14.10. Departure from Valea Viseului at 11.45, respectively 18.15.

In 2022, CFR Călători carried out repairs on the Valea Vişeului – Berlibas (Ukraine) section to restore traffic on this broad-gauge transit line. Sleepers were replaced, new fine-gauge material was imported, and 400 tons of crushed stone were laid.

In Ukraine, 19 km of the railway on the Rakhiv — Dilove — Valya Visheului line were repaired. Modernization continues at one more border station: Teresva (UA).

Photo source: Dreamstime.com