Development of High-Speed Railway Network in Europe: A Case Study of Ukraine

Abstract

The current task today is the development of theoretical and methodological approaches, as well as practical recommendations for determining the technical feasibility of creating high-speed railway (HSR) lines in the European context. The development of railways in individual countries, followed by the creation of a pan-European high-speed railway network, has raised questions about the compatibility of the technical systems of individual national HSRs. This paper addresses these issues using the example of Ukraine. The research is based on an analysis of scientific developments related to the design of HSR lines and the synthesis of European experience in identifying priority route directions in Ukraine. For comparing various scenarios for the development of railway connections, the authors have developed a forecasting and efficiency assessment model based on the Net Present Value (NPV) indicator. It has been demonstrated that considering the population attracted to HSR and the volume of transit passenger transportation alone is insufficient to achieve the normative investment payback. This situation can only be rectified by implementing mixed traffic involving high-speed passenger trains and accelerated freight trains. However, mixed traffic of passenger and freight trains on high-speed rail lines may face numerous issues and constraints that require careful planning and coordination.