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Publication date: 19.05.2024
Lawyer
USAID grants for inkjet printers at a railway checkpoint in Zakarpattia Oblast
On May 6, USAID grants "Economic Support of Ukraine" provided 9 inkjet printers for a railway checkpoint in Zakarpattia Oblast. This significant contribution is aimed at improving the day-to-day work of Ukrzaliznytsia, the national railway company of Ukraine, by increasing the efficiency and reliability of processing transport documents.
## Improving railway performance with technology
At the beginning of this year, the USAID grant project made another significant delivery of equipment, delivering 103 units of computer equipment to four railway checkpoints in the Volyn, Lviv, and Chernivtsi regions. This equipment includes printers, system units, monoblocks, laptops, uninterruptible power supplies. The new technology is expected to speed up cargo clearance and increase capacity and passenger traffic at these critical border crossings. In addition, four 50 kV diesel generators have been installed at these railway border stations to ensure continuity during power outages and speed up the processing of documents during grain export.
### Elimination of power outages
The installation of diesel generators became a decisive step in ensuring the uninterrupted operation of railway checkpoints. By ensuring the immediate continuation of document processing and other important activities during power outages, these generators help maintain the efficiency and reliability of Ukraine's railway logistics.
### Update of railway infrastructure
In addition to technological upgrades, the USAID grants project also focused on improving the physical infrastructure of railway checkpoints. Three sets of wagon jacks (12 pcs. in total) have been installed at the railway checkpoint of the Chernivtsi region. By the end of May, another 20 jacks will be installed on the Ukrainian-Polish border in the Lviv region. These wagon jacks make it easy to change wheel pairs from broad gauge (1535 mm) to European gauge (1420 mm) and vice versa. This modernization significantly increases the efficiency of freight transportation by rail between Ukraine and the European Union, ensuring smoother and faster transitions at border points.
## Economic impact and future goals
Contributions of the USAID grant project are part of a broader initiative to modernize Ukraine's transport infrastructure. From 2023 to 2026, USAID will allocate $115 million for direct support of the government of Ukraine, in particular the Ministry of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure, the State Agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure, the State Customs Service and Ukrzaliznytsia. These funds will contribute to the modernization of 42 checkpoints throughout Ukraine, which will significantly improve the country's export logistics and infrastructure.
### Support of economic stability
These improvements at railway checkpoints are necessary to speed up the processing of transport documents, in particular for the export of grain. By increasing the efficiency of these processes, the USAID grant project is aimed at strengthening the economic stability of Ukraine, providing the opportunity to more effectively meet the country's export needs.
### Comprehensive modernization
Modernization efforts include:
- **Provision of equipment**: supply of basic technologies and equipment to improve work efficiency.
- **Design and Construction Services**: Infrastructure improvements at nine priority checkpoints (six road and three rail) and potentially up to 12 additional checkpoints.
- **Traffic management systems**: implementation of advanced systems for better service of goods and passengers.
- **Standardization and efficiency**: rapid modernization projects such as installation of prefab office buildings, toilets, road surface repair, and installation of modern road signs, barriers, weighing and scanning equipment.
### Improved traffic management
The project also provides for the purchase of mobile scanners, stationary and dynamic scales, baggage and hand scanners, as well as specialized railway cargo equipment. These improvements are aimed at increasing Ukraine's export potential and ensuring compliance with international cargo handling standards.
## Conclusion
The USAID grant project "Economic Support of Ukraine" plays an important role in the modernization of the railway infrastructure of Ukraine, ensuring more efficient and reliable operation at critical checkpoints. Thanks to the provision of advanced technologies and equipment, as well as significant infrastructure modernization, the project supports the economic growth and stability of Ukraine in the conditions of a complex geopolitical landscape. This initiative is an example of joint efforts to restore and strengthen Ukraine's logistics and export potential, promoting a more sustainable and prosperous future for the nation.
