At the beginning of its history, railway transport, like many significant inventions of humanity, underwent a long journey from the creation of prototypes to full implementation. The first primitive versions of railway transport were used in the 18th century in mines for transporting coal on wooden tracks. However, these carts lacked the functionality necessary to transport large loads over long distances while operating efficiently and without damage.
7 Thus, the emerging need led to the idea of creating steel tracks. The design of railway lines required careful calculations to ensure safety and efficiency of movement. For instance, one of the key technical challenges was determining the angles at which a train could make turns, as sharp bends could lead to derailments. The complexity of design and high engineering demands were the main reasons why the construction of a railway network became feasible only with sufficient technological progress. Ultimately, after calculating various outcomes, British engineers successfully implemented a railway system in 1825. Since then, trains have been able to make turns with a large radius of approximately 200 meters to ensure smooth train movement.
The British development quickly attracted the attention of other countries that also needed infrastructure optimization. At the same time, the emergence of a new and fast mode of transport for that era significantly influenced new social changes. The transition of humanity to an industrial society highlighted substantial differences in habits and priorities among generations. While younger generations began to prefer the railway, some members of older generations still used horse-drawn carts.
8 With the advent of new transport, not only social and economic changes occurred, but also geopolitical ones. For example, the construction of the transcontinental railway in the USA allowed for the unification of the western and eastern coasts. This not only simplified the movement of goods but also facilitated the rapid settlement of western territories, which later enabled the integration of these lands into the national economy.
9 In fact, it was through railway connections that the armistice agreement between the Entente and Germany was signed in 1918. The signing of the document took place at the French station of Compiègne, and thus the agreement is known as the Compiègne Armistice.
0 That same year, a similar impact from this new infrastructure object also occurred in Ukraine. On December 1, a historic event took place at the Fastiv station – the Act of Unification between the Ukrainian People's Republic and the West Ukrainian People's Republic.
Integration of the railway into Ukrainian territories
1 The development of railways in Ukraine began to actively progress in the mid-19th century as part of the economic strategies of the Austrian and Russian empires. The first railway line in Ukraine appeared in Galicia in the 1840s. At that time, these lands were under the control of the Austrian Empire and were intended for the modernization of logistics and trade. The new transport system was able to ensure effective transportation of raw materials, such as salt, as well as agricultural products.
In fact, this first project of integrating new transport demonstrated positive results, leading to the construction of a railway branch in 1865 that connected Odessa with Balta, in territories influenced by the Russian Empire. This route allowed for the rapid transportation of grain from Ukrainian lands to the ports of the Black Sea.
2 The expansion of the railway network continued at the beginning of the 20th century and was actively supported by the economic needs of Ukraine's industrial regions. For example, lines connected Kyiv, Donbas, and other important industrial centers.
After the revolution and under the occupation by the Bolsheviks, railways became an important means of controlling resources and mobilizing human resources. To create a planned economy, the communists needed to take control of numerous sectors. Therefore, like many other sectors of the economy, the railway system was nationalized. During this period, new developments were integrated into the railway system. In 1935, the electrification of certain lines began, which continued in the post-war years, increasing the speed and reliability of transportation. At the same time, Ukrainian engineers and researchers made significant contributions to railway science and technology, reflected in the development of automatic braking systems and electrified trains, enhancing transportation efficiency and safety.
3 During World War II, Ukraine's railway infrastructure suffered significant damage. Aside from minor breakdowns, destroyed bridges, depots, and stations required quick restoration. Within three years after the war ended, the Ukrainian railway network was brought back to normal and improved.
After the western part of Ukraine was joined to the east (in the late 1930s-1940s), the railway network reached nearly 20,000 kilometers, accounting for 17% of the entire Soviet railway system.
During the independence period
4 In 1991, the company "Ukrzaliznytsia" was established, marking a new stage in the history of Ukrainian railway transport. It was founded to manage and develop Ukraine's railway infrastructure as state property, essential for maintaining economic stability and ensuring domestic and international transportation. Since its inception, "Ukrzaliznytsia" has maintained a monopoly status, playing a crucial role in facilitating exports and the mobility of the population, which accounted for about 60% of all transportation in Ukraine.
Since the early 2000s, important reforms in the railway sector have been carried out in the country to optimize management and improve service quality. In 2015, the company became a public joint-stock company, allowing for a revision of the management system. Reforms included the division into separate branches, the expansion of electrified lines, which now reached 47% of the entire network, as well as the liberalization of the freight transportation market, leading to the use of private cars on the lines.
5 Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the railway network has become a vital infrastructure element, enabling not only the transportation of goods and the evacuation of citizens but also strengthening international ties. Over the past year, "Ukrzaliznytsia" has constructed and updated several routes for connections with Poland, Romania, and Moldova, significantly expanding Ukraine's transit capabilities and strengthening international routes necessary for evacuation and the supply of goods, including humanitarian aid and medical supplies.
6 These new routes have also facilitated diplomatic visits and support for Ukraine from world leaders and prominent figures arriving by train. Among such guests were Angelina Jolie, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and leaders of EU countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who visited Kyiv by rail in a show of solidarity.
In fact, "Ukrzaliznytsia" continues to develop and implement new projects for the stable functioning of the system under war conditions. For instance, train kitchens have been organized to assist in liberated territories.
7 In 2023-2024, "Ukrzaliznytsia" launched special children's carriages designed for comfortable travel for families with children. These carriages are equipped with playpens, changing tables in restrooms, and other elements to ensure safety and comfort even for the youngest passengers. Tickets for these carriages are available exclusively through the "Ukrzaliznytsia" mobile app, which also allows users to monitor their availability and convenience.
8 Responding to passenger requests, "Ukrzaliznytsia" began implementing separate women's compartments in June 2023. This innovation aims to enhance the safety of women during travel, as these compartments are accessible only to women and children under 6 years old. Specially marked women's compartments are already available on several popular routes, including between Kyiv and Uzhhorod, Kharkiv and Yasinia, as well as other routes. Tickets for these compartments can be purchased through the "Ukrzaliznytsia" app.
As part of digitalization, in 2023, "Ukrzaliznytsia" established a collaboration with the "Dii" app. Now, purchasing a ticket from Kyiv to Warsaw or arranging a refund online can only be done with "Dii.Signature." Thus, Ukrainians who have verified their accounts can purchase and return tickets to Poland online.
In summary, the railway, which began as a simple system of wooden tracks and carts for mines, has evolved into an essential element of infrastructure and a powerful tool for social change.
9 From the industrial revolution to the modern era of digitalization, Ukrainian railways have continually adapted to the challenges of the times, modernizing infrastructure and implementing cutting-edge technologies. As the saying goes, "everything is known by comparison." The Ukrainian railway has undergone numerous stages of formation and development, and now we have a transport system focused on human-centricity, ensuring stability and punctuality even in critical moments.
Today, it is oriented towards human-centricity, providing stability and punctuality, even during the most challenging times.
Daria FROLOVA