The transportation situation in Kyiv remains critical following a series of missile strikes on infrastructure, including the Southern Bridge. The Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, officially confirmed that the subway system is considering resuming train operations on the "Green" line across the Southern Bridge even during yellow-level air raid alerts. This move aims to optimize city logistics, as Kyiv has faced significant travel restrictions between the left and right banks of the Dnieper over the past few days.
Conditions for Resuming Traffic
Passenger safety is the paramount factor for resuming operations. Vitali Klitschko emphasized that final authorization will only be granted after receiving official expert assessments from specialized scientific institutes. Currently, the Ministry of Infrastructure has already requested relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive structural inspection of the bridge, which was damaged during recent nighttime strikes.
Conflicting Data
There are discrepancies in assessments regarding the current strain on the capital's transport network. While city authorities insist on the necessity of maintaining metro operations to support city functions, civil defense experts point to the risks associated with having passengers on open-air metro bridge sections during attacks. Sources in relevant departments diverge on the timeline for potential resumption: ranging from "the next few days" to "a week of thorough inspections."
Consequences for the Transport System
The closure of the Podilskyi Bridge and restrictions on other viaducts have forced immediate adjustments to public transport routes. The Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) has already revised bus and trolleybus routes to reduce congestion at transport hubs and assist citizens in commuting under the current restrictions. The Kyiv Defense Council continues to operate in emergency mode, coordinating municipal services and government bodies to stabilize the city's situation.
