Ukrzaliznytsia Launches New Flagship Train “Sakura”: What Route Will It Run On

Ukrzaliznytsia launches the flagship “Sakura” train Kyiv–Uzhhorod, featuring new themed carriages with sakura-inspired design and support from Japanese partners, marking a symbolic route.

The state-owned company Ukrzaliznytsia has launched a new flagship train, “Sakura,” which will operate on the Kyiv–Uzhhorod route. This was announced during the presentation of the new flagship train by Oleksii Balesta, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, as reported by UNIAN.

“We are here to launch this first branded train, ‘Sakura,’ with the support of our Japanese partners,” Balesta said.

He added that the train will include four brand-new carriages produced by a Ukrainian manufacturer. According to him, the project features themed carriage designs with images of sakura and a special design for route display boards.

“These are new Ukrzaliznytsia carriages with many innovations. In particular, even when the train is not moving, the air conditioning will continue to work while it is stopped,” said Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, Chairman of the Board of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia.

It should be noted that Uzhhorod is considered the sakura capital of Ukraine and has a cultural connection with Japan.

“The ‘Sakura’ train will run between Kyiv and Uzhhorod, a route that will now be called a friendship route between Ukraine and Japan,” said Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine.

According to information in the official Ukrzaliznytsia app, the train will depart from Kyiv at 17:41 and arrive in Uzhhorod at 10:26.

From April 28, the first new carriages were scheduled to enter service as part of the new flagship train. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko stated that, overall, this upgrade includes the delivery of 100 new Ukrainian-made railcars. The total cost of the project is about 6.5 billion UAH, with deliveries to be carried out in stages until May 2028.

From May 1, Ukrzaliznytsia will also add women-only carriages to three more trains. It was reported that tickets for these women-only compartments are already on sale for train No. 7 Kharkiv – Odesa, No. 12 Lviv – Odesa, and No. 92 Lviv – Kyiv.

On April 21, it was also reported that the railway company is launching six new children’s compartment carriages, which have undergone major renovation and have been adapted for travel with children.

EMPR