"Ukrzaliznytsia" restricts train traffic in Sumy region due to Russian attacks

“Ukrzaliznytsia” has temporarily changed train traffic in the Sumy region due to increased Russian attacks on railway infrastructure and rolling stock. For part of the route, Konotop is becoming a temporary terminal, and further passenger transportation will be organized taking into account the security situation.

This was reported by “Ukrzaliznytsia”. The company explained the changes by the increased intensity of Russian attacks on railway infrastructure and trains in the region.

At the same time, railway communication with the Sumy region is not completely stopped. “Ukrzaliznytsia” uses altered and combined routes, and where trains cannot reach final stations due to threat, passengers are transferred to buses.

This scheme is applied, in particular, for connections with Shostka, Konotop, and Romny. Routes may be promptly adjusted depending on the air situation and threat of strikes on the railway.

The company tries to bring long-distance trains to their destination stations bypassing dangerous sections. Earlier, “Ukrzaliznytsia” reported that, in particular, trains No. 787 Tereshchenska — Kyiv, No. 786 Kyiv — Tereshchenska, No. 113 Kharkiv — Lviv, No. 779 Sumy — Kyiv, No. 116 Kyiv — Sumy, and No. 774 Zhmerynka — Tereshchenska are following altered routes.

For regional and suburban routes, restrictions may be stricter. Depending on the situation, the company shortens routes, uses reserve traction, and organizes bus transfers between stations if train traffic on a particular section becomes too dangerous.

Russia has intensified attacks on the railway

The changes are taking place against the backdrop of a series of targeted strikes on railway infrastructure in the Sumy region. On September 8, Russian drones attacked two suburban trains. At least eight people were injured, four of them were hospitalized.

Russian troops also attacked stations, locomotive infrastructure, and passenger trains. In one of the recent strikes on a railway facility in the Sumy region, a railway employee was killed and another worker was hospitalized.

In addition, a Russian drone attacked the railway station in Sumy. The drone shot down over the building fell on passenger train No. 143 Sumy — Rakhiv, causing the roof of the last car to catch fire. Passengers and railway workers were in shelter and were not injured.

Despite the attacks, “Ukrzaliznytsia” previously stated that it does not plan to completely cancel long-distance trains on the most dangerous routes. Instead, the company changes routes, introduces forced stops, organizes bus transfers, and warns passengers about possible significant delays.

Passengers are advised to check “Ukrzaliznytsia” messages and notifications in the company's app before traveling, as routes and timings may change directly depending on the security situation.

Sources: Suspilne, “Ukrzaliznytsia”