Kyiv is developing a scenario for a temporary suspension of the metro amid new massive Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. According to sources familiar with internal meetings in the capital's transport sector, metro employees are being warned of a possible three-day shutdown.
The sources say that preparations for such a scenario began after the recent series of missile and drone strikes by the Russian Federation, which significantly affected the stability of the power system and increased the risks of emergency electricity shortages. According to sources, the metro management was instructed to work out a regime in which the metro could remain without power for a long time.
This does not mean a complete closure of the subway as a shelter - the stations will continue to be used in the event of an air raid. However, train traffic may be stopped for up to three days in the event of critical overload or damage to the power system, when it will be technically impossible to maintain the operation of the rolling stock.
According to the sources, staff are already receiving verbal warnings about the need to be prepared to work in limited conditions, including ensuring people are allowed to go to shelters even if the lines are not running. Individual units have received instructions on duty, logistics, and maintaining order during a possible pause in traffic.
Following large-scale attacks on the Ukrainian power grid, the government and local authorities are warning of possible power outages, reduced generation, and the need to stabilize networks. The capital's metro, which carries hundreds of thousands of passengers daily and requires significant capacity for rolling stock operation, is considered one of the most energy-dependent critical infrastructure facilities.
