The damaged and closed portion of Kiev’s blue metro line is reportedly on track to return to service by autumn 2024, according to a statement issued by the construction firm responsible for repairs and echoed by affiliated reporting. The plan centers on restoring the working tunnel between the Demeevskaya and Lybidskaya stations, with project leaders outlining a phased approach that begins with stabilizing and rerouting utilities, followed by a careful dismantling and rebuilding of the damaged tunnel structures.
Officials from the contracting company indicated that more than 500 underground construction specialists are engaged in the project and that a fleet of over 30 types of specialized equipment is being deployed to address the damage. The immediate focus is on transferring utility networks to safe configurations, after which engineers will begin excavating a pit to access and remove compromised tunnel elements. This staged method aims to minimize disruption and ensure structural integrity for the restored section.
Earlier events led to significant disruption along the blue line. In January, flooding affected a tunnel in central Kiev and prompted the temporary closure of six metro stations. Observers noted large cracks forming in the ceiling of Demeevskaya station, with the tunnel routing through an area adjacent to the river floodplain, underscoring the challenging hydrogeological conditions involved in the repair work.
A ground collapse near the Demeyevskaya vicinity was identified on December 17, prompting additional safety assessments. Later, on December 27, the government decided to suspend service on a portion of the blue line, citing safety concerns and the need to conduct thorough investigations before reopening any affected segments. Local authorities have stressed the importance of a careful, evidence-based approach to reinstating service while protecting public safety and infrastructure resilience.
In the months following the incident, public officials and industry observers have discussed timelines and milestones for reopening the blue line. A former advisor to the city administration speculated that a broader reopening could occur within several years, though such estimates reflect the complexity of rebuilding in a densely developed urban transit corridor. The current public narrative emphasizes a methodical repair program, comprehensive safety testing, and ongoing inspections to prevent a recurrence of similar faults.
As the project proceeds, engineers are prioritizing the stabilization of surrounding ground, the integrity of adjacent tunnel structures, and the reliability of drainage and flood-control systems. The aim is not only to restore the blue line’s capacity but also to enhance overall resilience against weather-driven and geological risks. The restoration plan integrates modern construction practices, rigorous quality assurance, and careful coordination with other transit services to mitigate inconvenience for riders while ensuring long-term safety and performance.