In Kyiv, officials are considering the possibility of organising passenger transport along the Dnipro River as an alternative to the bridges, which are regularly targeted by Russian attacks. MP Volodymyr Kreidenko has proposed using vessels capable of carrying approximately 100–150 passengers per trip for the crossing. However, the launch of such a service depends on the technical condition of the fleet, security restrictions and approval from the military.
- There is a proposal in Kyiv to organise passenger transport along the Dnipro between the two banks.
- The stated capacity of the vessels is approximately 100–150 passengers per journey.
- According to government figures, there are around 20 potentially suitable vessels in the capital.
- The resumption of river transport will require approval from the military and a safety assessment.
- The new transport services are being considered as a contingency measure in the event of damage to the capital’s bridges.
How can transport along the Dnieper be organised?
The idea is to create an additional means of transporting passengers between the left and right banks of the capital. River transport could help relieve some of the pressure on road routes when bridges are closed or there are significant restrictions on motor traffic.
According to the proposal put forward, passenger vessels with a capacity of 100–150 people could be used for this purpose. However, the specific routes, timetable, fare and number of sailings have not yet been determined.
Previously. Kraydenko He pointed out that passenger river transport is, in fact, not used for day-to-day cross-river services. According to him, the existing vessels need to be inspected to ensure they are in good working order.
In Kyiv, around 20 vessels have been identified that could potentially be used
During a speech in the Verkhovna Rada on 30 October, the Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Oleksiy Kuleba He reported that the inventory had identified around 20 vessels in Kyiv that could potentially be used for transport.
The government is looking into the possibility of resuming these services, but river services can only be launched once approval has been obtained from the military. Part of the Dnipro’s waterway is used for defence purposes, so the movement of civilian vessels must take account of the restrictions in force.
It is not yet known how many vessels can actually be prepared for regular passenger services.
Kyiv is preparing alternative crossings over the Dnipro
As well as river transport, plans are being drawn up in the capital for the construction of two temporary pontoon bridges. According to Kreidenko’s estimate, such crossings could be in place around February or early March 2027.
At the same time, the MP doubts that they will be able to fully compensate for the traffic flow of the capital’s six existing bridges. Consequently, shuttle bus routes, dedicated lanes for public transport and a backup rail service are being considered, amongst other solutions.
Regular passenger services at the Kyiv River Port have remained suspended since the start of the full-scale invasion. No decision has yet been announced regarding the resumption of cross-river services or the date on which they will recommence.
