"Towards a Hopeful Daily Life"... Train Operations Resume in Kyiv Metropolitan Area

Rail Bridge Connecting Irpin and Kyiv Destroyed, Repaired in One Month
Train Attendant: "An Essential Route for Those in Suburban Areas with No Cars and Limited Job Opportunities in the Village"

Commuter train connecting Kyiv and nearby suburban areas. Photo by VISITUKRAINE website capture, Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] The metropolitan train connecting Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and its suburbs will resume operation after about a month.

On the 14th (local time), the British daily The Guardian reported that Ukraine's state railway company 'Ukrzaliznytsia' partially resumed the electric train service running between Kyiv and Borodianka, located about 56 km northwest of Kyiv.

The electric train passes through cities such as Bucha, Irpin, and Borzel, which suffered brutal war crimes during the Russian military occupation.

The train departs from Kyiv Sviatoshyn Station at 5:20 AM and 5:52 PM, making a total of 11 stops until Borodianka.

The train, which had stopped running for over a month due to the destruction of the railway bridge connecting Irpin and Kyiv by Russian forces, was able to resume operation after the restoration of the tracks.

Before the Russian invasion, this line was a popular commuting means for suburban citizens traveling to and from Kyiv.

The terminal village Borodianka (marked), located northwest of the capital Kyiv. Photo by Google Maps Capture, Yonhap News Agency

However, full operation is not yet possible. For the time being, only two trains will be operated due to safety concerns and other reasons.

The Guardian reported that on the morning of the 11th, only two attendants were on board the first carriage of the train that arrived at the departure station.

Train attendant Olga Peshchenko explained, "This line is very important to many people," adding, "It is difficult to find work in the villages where they live, and many do not own private cars."

She also said, "With the resumption of train service, I was able to start working from this week."

In places like Bucha and Irpin, known for severe civilian casualties including mass killings and torture, efforts to restore daily life are underway following the withdrawal of Russian forces.

Although fighting continues in southeastern Ukraine, The Guardian added that with the resumption of railway service connecting the capital and suburbs, citizens can return to their normal lives.