In Kyiv, government authorities and the relevant ministry are working on launching ferry crossings to connect the left and right banks of the Dnipro River. This was announced by Infrastructure Minister Mykola Kalashnyk during his speech in the Verkhovna Rada, RBC-Ukraine reports. According to the head of the agency, the initiative is part of a package of emergency measures aimed at easing congestion in the capital's transport system amid ongoing restrictions on road and rail routes.
River Fleet Inventory: 20 Potential Vessels
Minister Kalashnyk stated that department specialists have already taken stock of the existing river fleet within Kyiv. «There are about 20 units (of river transport) within Kyiv that can be used. Work is currently underway to restore ferry crossings and transport passengers from the left to the right bank,» he said. Thus, this is not about purchasing a new shipbuilding park, but about reactivating river transport assets already available in the capital, which helps shorten the preparation timeline for launching the crossings.
Military Restrictions on the Dnipro: A Key Condition
At the same time, the minister emphasized that using river transport in Kyiv involves strict restrictions due to the situation on the Dnipro. «Regarding river transport, we have restrictions and decisions in accordance with martial law regarding the tracking and downing of hostile targets; relevant military vessels are operating from the water here,» Kalashnyk explained. He added that before any ferry crossings are launched, an additional inspection will be carried out and appropriate clarifications regarding the conditions for resuming traffic will be provided, strictly subject to approval by the military and managerial decisions at the government level.
Ukrzaliznytsia and Buses: 16 New Routes
In parallel with the development of ferry services, the government and railway operators have already taken a number of operational measures to ease congestion in Kyiv's transport system. Ukrzaliznytsia has scheduled 16 new routes, and the city's bus network has been expanded. These steps aim to provide alternative ways for passengers to move between the capital's districts and reduce the load on remaining highway arteries and bridge crossings.
South Bridge: Resumption of Traffic
Among the measures taken is the resumption of traffic across the South Bridge over the Dnipro. As reported earlier, the bridge is open to vehicular traffic with certain restrictions on transport categories and traffic directions. The restoration of this facility, along with new rail and bus routes, forms the basis for a multi-channel transport scheme in Kyiv designed to compensate for capacity losses at other crossings.
Prospects: Launch Only After Military Approval
The minister's speech concluded with the statement that ferry crossings in Kyiv do not have a fixed launch date. Any decision to begin passenger transport by water will be made exclusively after the completion of inspections, coordination with the military command, and the adoption of relevant management decisions at the Cabinet of Ministers level. Until then, work is ongoing at the stage of infrastructure study and preparation.
