Border Crossings: Poland - Ukraine: Difference between revisions

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==(Chełm -) Dorohusk PKP - Yahodyn UZ (- Kovel')==
==(Chełm -) Dorohusk PKP - Yahodyn UZ (- Kovel')==
[D] PKP operates a long standing Warszawa - Kyïv overnight service on the 1435mm gauge tracks to Yahodyn with 1435mm tracks continuing to a cargo shipment yard at Kovel. The PKP standard gauge line is electrified as far as Dorohusk, requiring a change of traction for the short cross-border journey to Yahodyn where Gauge changing takes place.  
[D] The cross-border section comprises one 1435 mm gauge track and one 1520 mm gauge track. 1435 mm gauge track extends eastwards to a shipment yard at Kovel, 59 km east of Yahodyn. 1520 mm gauge track extends westwards to an oil installation a few km west of Chełm. Both gauges are used by freight over their full length. The 1435 mm gauge track is electrified as far as Dorohusk.


From 12 June 2017, coinciding with the ending of Visa requirements by Ukrainians, a daytime pair of Ukrainian DMUs commenced between Kovel - Chelm on the broad gauge track, which is used by passenger trains for the first time since at least June 2000. From 24 August 2017 this is extended within Ukraine to run to/from Zdołbunów. The broad gauge remained in use for freight traffic to an unknown point and the '''compilers would welcome precise information on any continuing 1520 mm gauge cross-border freight traffic.'''
PKP operates a long standing Warszawa - Kyïv overnight service on the 1435mm gauge tracks to/from Yahodyn, where gauge changing takes place by means of bogie exchange. The train thus changes to/from PKP diesel traction for the short cross-border journey; this is the only PKP operated passenger service east of Chelm.
 
A daytime pair of Ukrainian DMUs was introduced on 12 June 2017 between Kovel and Chelm, coinciding with the end of visa requirements for Ukrainians and from 24 August 2017 was extended within Ukraine to run from/to Zdolbuniw. This was the first passenger service to use the 1520 mm gauge track across the border since at least June 2000 and was initially successful and increased to two pairs, subsequently reduced to one at the December 2018 Timetable change. From 9 June 2019 this pair only operated to Dorohusk with a bus to/from Chelm due to a Customs dispute with the Polish Authorities concerning fuel duty and then completely withdrawn after running on the 18 June 2019.


==(Sławków -) Hrubieszów LHS - Izov LHS==
==(Sławków -) Hrubieszów LHS - Izov LHS==
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==Werchrata PKP - Rava Rus'ka UZ==
==Werchrata PKP - Rava Rus'ka UZ==
[D] A Broad gauge freight only crossing, now worked by UZ only and in 2006 with just a daily freight to a factory at Werchrata. The 1520 mm lines on the Polish side serving transhipment sidings are all out of use.
[D] A Broad gauge freight only crossing, now worked by UZ only and in 2006 with just a daily freight to a factory at Werchrata. By August 2014 there is a very lengthy refurbished or new open air transhipment platform to the east of Werchrata station with 2018 YouTube videos of PKP freights and open double bogied mineral wagons. There are storage sidings on both gauges alongside the PKP station but the 1520 mm lines to the south of Werchrata have been out of use for decades.


==(Przemyśl -) Medyka PKP - Mostys'ka 2 UZ (- Lviv)==
==(Przemyśl -) Medyka PKP - Mostys'ka 2 UZ (- L'viv)==
[E] PKP and UZ operate a daily overnight service between Wrocław/Warszawa and Lviv/Lvov. The 1435 and 1520 mm gauge lines, which take different alignments, are used on alternate days in each direction as one set consists of PKP stock and the other of UZ stock. One set changes gauge at Mostys'ka 2 by means of a SUW 2000-compatible gauge changer, and the other performs a manual boogie change at Przemyśl. See Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services [[Poland_-_Lines_with_Obscure_or_Sparse_passenger_services#PL12_11|
[E] From Przemyśl Główny station there are separate standard and broad gauge tracks which take totally different routes either side of large transhipment yards between Hurko and Medyka which at maximum are 650m apart. From Medyka PKP across the border is two tracks, of which at least one is interlaced.
 
PKP and UZ operate a long standing daily overnight service between Kyiv/L'viv and both Wrocław and Warszawa, which has had a complicated cross border history. There are gauge changing facilities east of Przemyśl Główny [lifting jacks for bogie change with associated locomotive shunts] and Mostys'ka 2 [open air SUW 2000 - for compatible bogied coaches] with either used over time. The overnight service started using the SUW 2000 equipment on 15 December 2003. This ceased for a period as it was observed out of use in October 2017 but was in use again by April 2018. The Przemyśl Główny arrival/departure sheets in 2019 confirmed use of only the standard gauge platforms although this of does not course preclude use of the bogie changer at Przemyśl. '''Any reports from travellers on this overnight service would therefore be welcomed by the compilers.'''. See Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services [[Poland_(South_East)_-_Lines_with_Obscure_passenger_services#PL12_11|
(Przemyśl Główny –) Hurko – Medyka (– Mostys'ka 2)]].
(Przemyśl Główny –) Hurko – Medyka (– Mostys'ka 2)]].
As of 23 December 2016, UZ offers a direct Kyiv-L'viv-Przemyśl daytime Intercity service using a modern 1520 mm EMU with on board customs control and with Ukrainian Citizens no longer needing Visas to visit the EU it has proved so popular that a second pair was introduced on 24 August 2017.


UZ works freight trains to Medyka. On the Polish side the 1520 mm gauge continues to Zurawica; on the Ukrainian side 1435 mm gauge track ends at Mostys'ka 1.
UZ had run long distance day and (seasonal) overnight loco hauled services into Przemyśl Główny on the broad gauge track. These ended on 8 December 2012, but a daytime Kyiv - L'viv - Przemyśl resumed on 23 December 2016 using a modern 1520 mm gauge EMU. This service was doubled on 24 August 2017 when Ukrainian Citizens no longer needed visas to visit the EU, this service serving a different route between L'viv and Kyiv.
 
UZ works broad gauge freight trains to yards within Poland. The 1520 mm gauge line splits at Hurko into a branch to a transshipment depot at Krówniki, the passenger line to Przemyśl Glowny and a freight line, avoiding Przemyśl, to yards at Zurawica. PKP works standard gauge freight trains into Ukraine. The 1435 mm gauge track ends at a transshipment facility 3 km east of Mostys'ka 2 station.
 
Czech open access operator Leo Express has approval for a service between Praha and Medyka PKP and filed a request to continue to Mostys'ka 2. But by Summer 2020 this had been revised to terminate at Przemyśl Główny for a guaranteed forward connection into a Ukrainian Railways BG train.


==(Przemyśl) Malhowice PKP - Nyzhankovychi UZ (- Dobromyl' - Khyriv)==
==(Przemyśl) Malhowice PKP - Nyzhankovychi UZ (- Dobromyl' - Khyriv)==
[D] Closed as a through route, formerly interlaced dual gauge 1435/1520mm. Until early 1995, PKP operated 1435mm gauge corridor trains through Ukraine via this route and the Krościenko - Star'iava crossing. By July 2004, significant lengths of the 1435mm gauge track within Ukraine had been lifted north of Dobromyl', with PKP 1435mm gauge freight remaining on a stub from Przemyśl to Przemyśl Bakończyce. There has been recent heavy lobbying as Visa restrictions on Ukrainians were to be lifted and some repair work has obviously been undertaken by PKP as officials inspection trains have reached Nižankovičì in 2017 so a reopening may be being considered.
[D] Closed as a through route, formerly interlaced dual gauge 1435/1520mm. Until early 1995, PKP operated a 1435mm gauge Warszawa - Zagorz corridor train through Ukraine via this route and the Krościenko - Star'iava crossing. By July 2004, significant lengths of the 1435mm gauge track within Ukraine had been lifted north of Dobromyl', with PKP 1435mm gauge carriage sidings and freight remaining on a stub from Przemyśl to Przemyśl Bakończyce. Following the lifting of Visa restrictions on Ukrainians there has been a suggestion this route may reopen to passengers and on the Polish side, all trees etc were cleared from the track in Autumn 2016 triggering some repair work by UZ, so by December 2018 there have apparently been ten cross-border Przemyśl to Nyzhankovychi trains with politicians, tourists, journalists and volunteers on board. The Polish government now has plans to rebuild this Line [to Nyzhankovychi only?] and is apparently discussing the work required with the Ukrainians.


==(Sanok - Ustrzyki Dolne -) Krościenko PKP - Star'iava UZ (- Khyriv)==
==(Sanok - Ustrzyki Dolne -) Krościenko PKP - Star'iava UZ (- Khyriv)==
[D] This line has been closed to all traffic since 9 November 2010 but with Ukrainian Visa restrictions lifted, SKPL operated a special to Khyriv on 25 June 2017 so reopening may be being considered. PKP had operated 1435mm gauge local passenger services between Sanok (Zagórz before 2004/2005) and Khyriv but lately only freight trains ran between Sanok and Ustrzyki Dolne. A 1520mm gauge track is interlaced with the 1435mm gauge track between Stariava and Khyriv for the internal UZ passenger service of two trains per day. See also the Malhowice - Nizhankovichi crossing.
[D] Cross Border had been closed since a short resumption of passenger traffic ended on 9 November 2010 but with Ukrainian Visa restrictions lifted, it is known SKPL operated a special to Khyriv on 25 June 2017 but with no progress on reopening. PKP had operated 1435mm gauge local passenger services between Sanok (Zagórz before 2004/2005) and Khyriv but lately only freight trains ran between Sanok and Ustrzyki Dolne until 15 December 2013. Since then a Draisine operation has been allowed based on Ustrzyki Dolne but even so a Turkol DMU special managed to reach the Ursa Major brewery 1km east of Ustrzyki Dolne in October 2020 and it was suggested their may be Summer Tourist service to Ustrzyki Dolne/Mineralna from 2021.  
 
A 1520mm gauge track is interlaced with the 1435mm gauge track between Stariava and Khyriv for the internal UZ passenger service of two trains per day. See also the Malhowice - Nizhankovichi crossing.


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 10:42, 22 November 2020

Note that there is a one hour time difference between Poland and Ukraine. Users should check whether or not Ukraine is using Daylight Saving Time.

(Chełm -) Dorohusk PKP - Yahodyn UZ (- Kovel')

[D] The cross-border section comprises one 1435 mm gauge track and one 1520 mm gauge track. 1435 mm gauge track extends eastwards to a shipment yard at Kovel, 59 km east of Yahodyn. 1520 mm gauge track extends westwards to an oil installation a few km west of Chełm. Both gauges are used by freight over their full length. The 1435 mm gauge track is electrified as far as Dorohusk.

PKP operates a long standing Warszawa - Kyïv overnight service on the 1435mm gauge tracks to/from Yahodyn, where gauge changing takes place by means of bogie exchange. The train thus changes to/from PKP diesel traction for the short cross-border journey; this is the only PKP operated passenger service east of Chelm.

A daytime pair of Ukrainian DMUs was introduced on 12 June 2017 between Kovel and Chelm, coinciding with the end of visa requirements for Ukrainians and from 24 August 2017 was extended within Ukraine to run from/to Zdolbuniw. This was the first passenger service to use the 1520 mm gauge track across the border since at least June 2000 and was initially successful and increased to two pairs, subsequently reduced to one at the December 2018 Timetable change. From 9 June 2019 this pair only operated to Dorohusk with a bus to/from Chelm due to a Customs dispute with the Polish Authorities concerning fuel duty and then completely withdrawn after running on the 18 June 2019.

(Sławków -) Hrubieszów LHS - Izov LHS

[D] This 1520mm gauge line is the "Linia Hutnicza Szerokotorowa" (Broad-Gauge Steel Line) between Sławków near Katowice and Vladimir in Ukraine. A limited long distance International passenger service ended a number of years ago, so current use is just freight and "road-train" services. Letters of Intent to electrify from Kowel in the Ukraine to Hrubieszów were signed in April 2017. In 2009 cross border staff trains ran to the railway carriage works at Hrubieszów Towarowy from Izov with timings based on shift patterns but it is not recommended to attempt to travel due to Ukraine Border controls. This line was formerly part of PKP and was called "Steel and Sulphur Railway".

Hrebenne PKP - Rava Rus'ka UZ

[D] The PKP-operated 1435mm gauge through service to/from Warszawa which only commenced on 2 June 1996 was withdrawn after 3 June 2005. No freight traffic can operate, as the tracks to the interchange sidings at Rava Rus'ka have been lifted.

Werchrata PKP - Rava Rus'ka UZ

[D] A Broad gauge freight only crossing, now worked by UZ only and in 2006 with just a daily freight to a factory at Werchrata. By August 2014 there is a very lengthy refurbished or new open air transhipment platform to the east of Werchrata station with 2018 YouTube videos of PKP freights and open double bogied mineral wagons. There are storage sidings on both gauges alongside the PKP station but the 1520 mm lines to the south of Werchrata have been out of use for decades.

(Przemyśl -) Medyka PKP - Mostys'ka 2 UZ (- L'viv)

[E] From Przemyśl Główny station there are separate standard and broad gauge tracks which take totally different routes either side of large transhipment yards between Hurko and Medyka which at maximum are 650m apart. From Medyka PKP across the border is two tracks, of which at least one is interlaced.

PKP and UZ operate a long standing daily overnight service between Kyiv/L'viv and both Wrocław and Warszawa, which has had a complicated cross border history. There are gauge changing facilities east of Przemyśl Główny [lifting jacks for bogie change with associated locomotive shunts] and Mostys'ka 2 [open air SUW 2000 - for compatible bogied coaches] with either used over time. The overnight service started using the SUW 2000 equipment on 15 December 2003. This ceased for a period as it was observed out of use in October 2017 but was in use again by April 2018. The Przemyśl Główny arrival/departure sheets in 2019 confirmed use of only the standard gauge platforms although this of does not course preclude use of the bogie changer at Przemyśl. Any reports from travellers on this overnight service would therefore be welcomed by the compilers.. See Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services (Przemyśl Główny –) Hurko – Medyka (– Mostys'ka 2).

UZ had run long distance day and (seasonal) overnight loco hauled services into Przemyśl Główny on the broad gauge track. These ended on 8 December 2012, but a daytime Kyiv - L'viv - Przemyśl resumed on 23 December 2016 using a modern 1520 mm gauge EMU. This service was doubled on 24 August 2017 when Ukrainian Citizens no longer needed visas to visit the EU, this service serving a different route between L'viv and Kyiv.

UZ works broad gauge freight trains to yards within Poland. The 1520 mm gauge line splits at Hurko into a branch to a transshipment depot at Krówniki, the passenger line to Przemyśl Glowny and a freight line, avoiding Przemyśl, to yards at Zurawica. PKP works standard gauge freight trains into Ukraine. The 1435 mm gauge track ends at a transshipment facility 3 km east of Mostys'ka 2 station.

Czech open access operator Leo Express has approval for a service between Praha and Medyka PKP and filed a request to continue to Mostys'ka 2. But by Summer 2020 this had been revised to terminate at Przemyśl Główny for a guaranteed forward connection into a Ukrainian Railways BG train.

(Przemyśl) Malhowice PKP - Nyzhankovychi UZ (- Dobromyl' - Khyriv)

[D] Closed as a through route, formerly interlaced dual gauge 1435/1520mm. Until early 1995, PKP operated a 1435mm gauge Warszawa - Zagorz corridor train through Ukraine via this route and the Krościenko - Star'iava crossing. By July 2004, significant lengths of the 1435mm gauge track within Ukraine had been lifted north of Dobromyl', with PKP 1435mm gauge carriage sidings and freight remaining on a stub from Przemyśl to Przemyśl Bakończyce. Following the lifting of Visa restrictions on Ukrainians there has been a suggestion this route may reopen to passengers and on the Polish side, all trees etc were cleared from the track in Autumn 2016 triggering some repair work by UZ, so by December 2018 there have apparently been ten cross-border Przemyśl to Nyzhankovychi trains with politicians, tourists, journalists and volunteers on board. The Polish government now has plans to rebuild this Line [to Nyzhankovychi only?] and is apparently discussing the work required with the Ukrainians.

(Sanok - Ustrzyki Dolne -) Krościenko PKP - Star'iava UZ (- Khyriv)

[D] Cross Border had been closed since a short resumption of passenger traffic ended on 9 November 2010 but with Ukrainian Visa restrictions lifted, it is known SKPL operated a special to Khyriv on 25 June 2017 but with no progress on reopening. PKP had operated 1435mm gauge local passenger services between Sanok (Zagórz before 2004/2005) and Khyriv but lately only freight trains ran between Sanok and Ustrzyki Dolne until 15 December 2013. Since then a Draisine operation has been allowed based on Ustrzyki Dolne but even so a Turkol DMU special managed to reach the Ursa Major brewery 1km east of Ustrzyki Dolne in October 2020 and it was suggested their may be Summer Tourist service to Ustrzyki Dolne/Mineralna from 2021.

A 1520mm gauge track is interlaced with the 1435mm gauge track between Stariava and Khyriv for the internal UZ passenger service of two trains per day. See also the Malhowice - Nizhankovichi crossing.

See also