The technical condition of the section between the Tarasa Shevchenko and Pochaina stations has been recognized as critical. Experts have recorded significant subsidence of structures, cracks, and active groundwater seepage. The repair will last almost two years.
Technical condition and causes of accidents
An inspection of the tunnel, built in 1978–1980, revealed structural degradation. The main problems:
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Subsidence: from 21 to 34 cm in different areas.
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Damage: cracks in the tubing, chipped ribs, lack of fasteners.
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Geology: The tunnel stands on water-saturated soils of the former riverbed of the Pochaina River.
Why did this happen? KPI specialists identify three factors:
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Change of development: New structures above the metro line have changed the pressure on the ground.
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Water: Old leaking pipelines nearby saturate the soil around the tunnel.
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Vibrations: The constant dynamic load from trains destroys the unstable wet base.
Financial side of the project
Over the past six years, the cost of the work has increased by 23 times:
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2020: The project was estimated at UAH 79,5 million.
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2026: the cost increased to 1,84 billion UAH.
The repair will cover 950 meters tracks. The most difficult sections (near Taras Shevchenko station and in the industrial zone) require complete replacement of waterproofing and corrosion protection. According to the plan, after the overhaul, the tunnel should last another 120 years.
How will the metro operate during repairs?
The Kyiv City State Administration and the metro are considering three scenarios for organizing traffic:
| Scenario | Description | Effects |
| "Shuttle" | Trains will travel through one tunnel in turn. | Significant increase in waiting intervals. |
| Night window | Extension of working hours at night. | Late opening or early closing of stations is possible. |
| Site closure | Complete stoppage of traffic for 3–5 months. | May–September. Passengers will be transported by buses. |
Reassurance from the subway: Currently, no active water inflow or sand removal (as was the case during the Demiivska accident) has been recorded. The condition of the tunnel is monitored around the clock.
