PKP LHS reports that it has transported a record freight volume between Poland and Ukraine in the first quarter of 2024. During this period, it transported 2,9 million tonnes of cargo between the two countries. This is 152,000 tonnes more than the same period last year.

PKP LHS operates on the broad-gauge railway that connects Poland and Ukraine. The freight volume it transported between the two countries in the first yearly quarter grew by 5,2 per cent, growing to a record 2,9 million tonnes. Exports through the Izov-Hrubieszów border crossing grew in particular, by 141 per cent. Earlier, Ukraine reported a growth of iron ore exports through that border crossing by 43 per cent.

Intermodal growth

Contrary to European trends, intermodal imports and exports also grew. Intermodal imports grew by 97 per cent when compared to the same period last year, while intermodal exports grew by 77,5 per cent. PKP LHS says that its efforts to develop container transport-related services for intermodal projects contributed to the growth.

According to wnp.pl, PKP LHS spent approximately 30 million Polish złoty (7 million euros) during the first quarter on additional infrastructure projects to facilitate transport between Poland and Ukraine. The projects include a new loading area the the Szczebrzeszyn LHS station, an expansion of the Hrubieszów station and a local control centre at Sędziszów station.

Blockades

While PKP LHS reports record freight volumes between Poland and Ukraine, Polish farmers have been blocking roads, railways and transport hubs between the two countries in recent months. They say that the import and transit of Ukrainian agricultural products hurts their business. PKP LHS’ numbers suggest that the blockades have not stopped the growth of volumes for the Polish rail operator.

Also read:

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• Poland to invest over a billion euros in Silesia rail infrastructure
• Polish farmers to block all Ukrainian freight transport