Senior Fellow, Caspian Policy Center // Former Director, National Security Council - Strategic Issues in Europe & Eurasia - International Policy & Development Specialist
Political expectations versus financial realities: rail guage differences, many costly tunnels and bridges, disagreements on routing… Major challenges face this and other rail projects in the region, despite connectivity benefits.
efficient transport infrastructure boosted the UK economy in the 18th,19th and early 20th century, the US in late 19th and 20th century... and the Chinese economic power in the 21st century. Meanwhile, back in Europe, upgrading/expanding critical infrastructure is put on hold for all sorts of considerations. Looking at the long game: what will this mean for the economic balance in some 20 years? We can all see it coming.
The high-speed rail (HSR) network in the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the world's longest and most extensively used – with a total length of 45,000 kilometres (28,000 mi) by the end of 2023. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
moving forward , Kosovo rail ways
another (perhaps cynical)(sorry) way to look at this: China has invested €30bn (and lots of CO2-rich materials) to transport almost 280.000 tons of coal, every day, to burn in its powerplants. And in our Western world we plan to counter this environmental effect by collecting all the bottle-caps?
The high-speed rail (HSR) network in the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the world's longest and most extensively used – with a total length of 45,000 kilometres (28,000 mi) by the end of 2023. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
#Russia is planning to invest record-breaking amounts in its #FarEast railway infrastructure. Unprecedented investments in the #East in the coming years might be interpreted as a break with the past and a move away from the West. However, it is unlikely that these investments signal a significant change in policy. #railfreight #railfreightnews #railcargonews
❕Shared my thoughts in the blog for the Center for Transport Strategies about why Ukraine should accelerate its efforts forward the Eurointegration in the Transport Sector and which areas need the most attention 👇 https://lnkd.in/dfqTPzHm
Europe-Baltic states high-speed rail link moves one step closer
So I have to ask... Why isn't Canada investing in infrastructure projects like this? It doesn't have to be publicly funded, it could follow a model in a Public/Private partnership model similar to many other places in the world. Even if it's not a cross Canada rail, it makes so much sense to do in higher density population areas like between Calgary/Edmonton and the coastal regions. https://lnkd.in/eQqJTCMc #Infrastructure #Canada #Investment #BuildTheFutureWeWant
The megaproject Rail Baltica is recognized as a top priority by the European Union and forms a vital part of the North Sea–Baltic Corridor within the Trans-European Transport Networks. Let's find out the details of Rail Baltica: The European Megaproject Set to Replace Russian Railways.
Read this short note from our leading expert on the transports and infrastructure Iryna Kosse. By the way, she's been with IER for more than 12 years!
🚄 Exciting Developments and Challenges Ahead for Ukraine's Rail Connections to Prague 🚄 We're witnessing a historic moment as Ukraine's Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) takes a significant step forward in enhancing rail connectivity with Europe, particularly with the launch of a new train service to Prague. This development symbolizes the strengthening of cross-border cooperation and highlights the complexities and challenges of international rail operations. RegioJet has successfully signed three critical agreements with Ukrzaliznytsia, covering train operations, electricity distribution, and power supply to the locomotive. These agreements mark a groundbreaking collaboration, providing RegioJet access to the Ukrainian rail infrastructure. However, the journey has not been without its hurdles. The cost of accessing Ukrzaliznytsia’s infrastructure is significantly higher than European averages—nearly tenfold by some measures. This discrepancy underscores the need for future negotiations to achieve fairer terms and align Ukraine's rail operations more closely with European standards. The challenges extend beyond financial aspects. Introducing new services in Ukraine has unveiled unexpected obstacles, reflecting a departure from the more straightforward processes seen within the EU. These experiences emphasize the importance of establishing clear, actionable protocols for accessing routes and infrastructure in Ukraine. Moreover, discussions about potentially integrating ticketing services via API with Ukrzaliznytsia and ambitions for building a European gauge railway line from Chop to Uzhhorod, along with its electrification, signal a proactive approach towards future-proofing and expanding Ukraine's rail infrastructure. However, it's crucial to address the unintended consequences for freight transportation, as highlighted by AT ZSSK Cargo's representative in Ukraine, Josef Vírba. The introduction of passenger services has led to congestion and delays in freight operations, pointing to the need for a balanced approach that considers both passenger and freight needs. As we look towards the possibilities of new rail connections and infrastructure developments, it's imperative to foster dialogue, negotiate equitable terms, and devise solutions that mitigate operational challenges. The journey ahead is promising, and with collaborative efforts, we can navigate the complexities to realize the full potential of Ukraine's rail connectivity with Europe. #Ukrzaliznytsia #RegioJet #RailConnectivity #Infrastructure #Ukraine #Prague #TransportationInnovation
Apparently China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are planning to build a new railway without Russian participation. Regardless of which option for constructing the railway is ultimately chosen, the northern option or the southern option, this railway must connect China with Europe. While for Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan a new railway is an opportunity to attract investment and revenue from cargo transit, China is seeking to diversify trade routes for strategic reasons. So, in the event of a theoretical conflict around Taiwan, some sea routes may be blocked. Connecting a new railway from China to the railway network of Turkmenistan makes it possible to create a shipping line between the Turkmen port Turkmenbashi and the Azerbaijan port Baku. In addition, the new railway route provides an alternative to the railway through Russia, the transportation of goods through which is complicated due to Moscow's contradictions with Europe.