A new train from Poland to Ukraine: SKPL launches train service between Warsaw and Kovel
The railway connection between Ukraine and Poland is extremely important for Ukrainians, especially in the current situation, when many citizens have been forced to flee their homes due to the war. The emergence of new routes and the expansion of existing ones allows Ukrainian refugees to quickly and safely reach Poland, where they find temporary shelter and support. Polish rail carriers are actively contributing to this process by offering more and more transport options for those seeking safety and stability outside Ukraine. The new routes also contribute to strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two countries, which is important in these difficult times.
New rail route
Polish carrier SKPL Cargo continues to expand its transport links with Ukraine. According to in-poland, the company has recently applied to launch a new passenger route connecting the Polish capital with Kovel via Dorohusk. It will connect the capital Warsaw with the Ukrainian city of Kovel in Volyn. The Polish Railways Authority received the application on 1 October, and the launch is scheduled for 15 December 2024. The route, which will operate for five years, will run daily until 14 December 2029.
Schedule and route of the new train
According to the preliminary schedule, the train will depart from Warszawa Skhidna station at 15:05 and arrive at the border station Dorohusk at 18:30. During the route, it will make stops in the cities of Piława, Dęblin, Pulawy, Lublin Main, Witness and Chełm. In the opposite direction, the train will start at 02:45 from Dorohusk and arrive in Warsaw at 06:15. Although the timetable on the Ukrainian side is still being finalised, the relevant agreements will be reached after obtaining the necessary permits from Polish regulators.
To implement the route, it is important that the Ukrainian side provides the appropriate infrastructure. Ukrzaliznytsia has already completed the repair of 1435 mm gauge tracks on the section from the Polish border to Kovel. Thanks to these efforts, the Ukrainian railway infrastructure is ready for integration with the European network.
SKPL Cargo’s plans for the future
This is the second route that SKPL Cargo has launched between Poland and Ukraine. In 2023, the company launched a service between Warsaw and Rava-Ruska. In the future, the carrier plans to further strengthen transport links between the countries: by the end of 2024, SKPL Cargo intends to launch a regular service between the Podkarpackie region of Poland and the Ukrainian city of Khyriv, which will give Ukrainians even more travel options.
Opportunities for Ukrainian refugees
The introduction of new railway routes not only facilitates the movement of Ukrainians between the two countries, but also contributes to the long-term development of both countries. This is another important step towards making life easier for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, who will have access to convenient and regular travel to their home country or places of temporary residence in Poland.
