Ukrzaliznytsia, the state-owned railway operator in Ukraine, has reported a modest but notable increase in passenger traffic for the first half of 2025. The company recorded 13.52 million passengers, representing a 1.2% growth compared to the same period last year. This marks a 23% increase from the first half of 2024, according to CEO Oleksandr Pertsovsky, who announced the update on Facebook.
The rise in passenger numbers is attributed to several factors, including seasonal travel patterns and improved service quality across the network. Pertsovsky emphasized the company’s efforts to enhance the passenger experience through modernization projects and greater investment in infrastructure. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to bolster Ukraine’s transportation sector and support economic recovery in the post-war context.
Despite the positive trend, Ukrzaliznytsia faces ongoing challenges, including the need for substantial capital investment to maintain and upgrade its aging railway systems. The company has also been working to attract more private investment and increase efficiency across its operations. While the current data suggests a stable growth trajectory, analysts remain cautious about the long-term sustainability of these gains without significant additional funding and policy support.