«Ukrzaliznytsia» assessed the potential of the grain route through Moldova: what is needed to increase transportation to the level of 4.5 million tons per year

Ukraine can significantly increase grain exports by rail through Moldova. Ukrzaliznytsia considers the capacity of this corridor at 4.5 million tons per year to be realistic and admits the possibility of further increasing volumes.

This estimate was previously mentioned by the former head of the railways of Moldova, Oleg Tofilat. Now it has been confirmed by Ukrzaliznytsia itself in response to an inquiry from Interfax-Ukraine.

What is needed to increase transportation

For the route to be able to accept more grain, it is necessary to increase the capacity of border stations, speed up control procedures and eliminate technological restrictions at railway crossings.

It will also be necessary to change the organization of train traffic. The company believes that this will allow for more stable use of the corridor as demand from exporters grows.

Why the route through Moldova has become more important

Interest in this direction has risen sharply against the backdrop of problems with traditional export logistics and Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure.

Through Moldova, Ukrainian cargoes can proceed in the direction of Reni, Moldovan ports on the Danube, and further to Romanian ports, including Constanta.

From August 10, Moldova is providing Ukrainian cargoes with a 50% discount on railway transit. The preferential tariff is expected to be in effect until the end of 2026.

No additional discount from Ukrzaliznytsia

At the same time, the Ukrainian railway does not plan to further reduce its own domestic tariffs.

The company explained that new discounts could worsen its financial condition and ability to perform basic freight transportation.

Instead, Ukrzaliznytsia, together with the railways of neighboring countries, ports, and business, is trying to increase the physical capacity of the routes.

Since the end of July, such issues are discussed weekly with carriers from Poland, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Slovakia.

4.5 million tons is so far potential, not actual volume

It is important that for now this concerns exactly possible annual capacity, not actual transportation of such scale.

To achieve it, it is still necessary to eliminate restrictions at the border and ensure sufficient capacity of the entire chain – from Ukrainian stations to terminals and ports of destination.

Nevertheless, the confirmation of the 4.5 million ton estimate by Ukrzaliznytsia itself shows that the Moldovan route is already being considered not just as a temporary bypass, but as a significant reserve for Ukrainian grain exports.