The Prospect of Using the Dual Gauge Line for the Ukraine–Hungary Railway Connection

Abstract

There are several international transport corridors in Hungary. Záhony railway station is one of the largest hubs in Europe, providing a railway connection between Ukraine and the European Union. Two different railway tracks meet and come together here, such as the standard (1435 mm) and broad (1520 mm) gauges. The availability of a developed infrastructure of the dual gauge on the territory of Hungary presupposes the corresponding development of the railway connection by Ukraine. In order to effectively use the dual gauge line and solve problems of special design, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate train flows. This research aims to provide scientific support for express analysis of the railway routes' competitiveness between Ukraine and the European Union to define the determining factors. The application of such approaches provides a tool for establishing the prospects for the development of existing railway lines, considering their features. Scientific approaches to creating methods for determining the priority areas of railway transport have been further developed. Apart from involving such essential indices as average speed and traffic volumes, the authors added the possibility of considering the presence of lines with such design features as single-track sections, non-electrified, dual gauge, etc., on the route. The theoretical background is applied as a tool for rapid calculations for increasing the competitiveness of the Chop–Záhony dual gauge line.