Ukraine is reviving its iconic historic trains and restoring its rich railway heritage, with a special focus on preserving the country’s rare and vintage locomotives. In 2021, Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) revived its retro railway route in the village of Haivoron, and since then, it has become one of the most successful heritage railway projects in the country. Every month, tourists from around the world hop aboard these historic trains, taking them on nostalgic journeys through picturesque landscapes while stepping back in time.
The focus of these tours is not just to showcase the beauty of Ukraine’s countryside but also to highlight the rich history embedded in its railway systems. The restored narrow-gauge Haivoron Railway, which began running heritage tours in 2021, is among the most popular retro routes. Though initially aimed at foreign visitors, these tours have become increasingly popular with locals as well. The railway journey, which runs on restored trains and preserved tracks dating back over a century, offers an authentic experience of Ukraine’s railway past.
One of the key priorities of Ukrzaliznytsia’s restoration efforts is preserving the country’s vintage locomotives, cars, and infrastructure. Ukraine is home to many rare and historic railway pieces, such as wooden-bodied wagons built before the 1950s. The railway company has also been restoring rare electric trains, such as the ER-1, ER-2, and SR-3 models, which are more than 60 years old. These trains are considered particularly valuable and rare, as they are no longer in production and are difficult to find elsewhere.
Another fascinating aspect of the restoration is the revival of century-old rails. Some of the rails being used in these historic routes are from the 1880s, 1903, and 1910, making the journey not only a trip through time but a literal ride on the iron of the past. These elements of Ukraine’s railway system are a testament to the country’s long-standing railroad culture.
Today, there are 97-98 historical locomotives in Ukraine, many of which are preserved as monuments, and about 30 of them belong to Ukrzaliznytsia. Ten of these classic locomotives, including both broad-gauge and narrow-gauge models, are still operational and used in active service. Some of these locomotives are based in cities like Snovsk, Kharkiv, and Chernivtsi, while three narrow-gauge trains are still running in Haivoron.
Restoring these historic trains is not only about maintaining nostalgia. It is about safeguarding a piece of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing conflict, some of Ukraine’s railway treasures are at risk. The Donetsk Railway Museum, once the largest of its kind, saw some of its prized locomotives transported to Russia. Despite these challenges, there is a significant effort to restore and maintain the remaining trains across the country.
Aside from the Haivoron Railway, Ukraine also has two other narrow-gauge railways—the Borzhavska and Antonivska lines. However, these lines have not been in operation since the COVID-19 pandemic began and would require track repairs before resuming service.
Restoring and maintaining historic railways is an essential part of preserving Ukraine’s industrial heritage. As these retro trains take travelers on their monthly journeys, the country is showcasing its proud history and ensuring that the next generation can experience the charm of its vintage railcars.
Source: cfts.org.ua
