This was reported by Taras Melnychuk, the permanent representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada, via Telegram, as conveyed by Ukrinform.
"The draft law 'On the System and Features of the Functioning of the Railway Transport Market of Ukraine' has been approved. The bill aims to implement EU legislation in the field of railway transport, particularly as defined by the Association Agreement with the EU," the statement reads.
The draft law suggests introducing a new model for railway transportation that aligns with European railway standards. Specifically, the document outlines the main requirements, responsibilities, and rights of the infrastructure operator and carrier, as well as the essential criteria for railway rolling stock, regulating the activities of rolling stock operators and owners.
It also establishes the principle of equal access to infrastructure services, which applies to all parties interested in obtaining such services.
Moreover, it initiates the creation of a safety management system in railway transport in accordance with EU legislative requirements, which will enhance the safety level of transportation in a competitive railway market; it sets legal foundations for technical regulation and the admission of railway subsystems for operation; and introduces a European approach to ensuring the maintenance of rolling stock and accountability for its safe condition.
The establishment of training centers for the preparation, retraining, and professional development of locomotive drivers is also planned.
As previously reported, the Ministry of Community Development, Territories, and Infrastructure signed a memorandum with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), which envisages cooperation in the technical harmonization of railway systems between the EU and Ukraine.
Photo: Ukrzaliznytsia