The rail operator does not comment on the protocols for returning to trains after evacuation to shelters
Clients of Ukrzaliznytsia report cases where trains depart from stations without passengers who were in shelters during an air raid alert. People are forced to postpone their trips because conductors close the doors before everyone has returned to the carriages. This was reported by Glavcom, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The situation regarding the evacuation of passengers during air threats remains controversial. Specifically, journalist Nataliia Pakhaychuk reported that the Intercity train from Lutsk to Kyiv departed from Rivne without her, as she did not manage to return from a safe place before boarding was completed. Similar incidents are confirmed by other citizens who find themselves stranded on platforms after the all-clear signal.
Lack of proper communication
A passenger named Iryna, who was traveling by train with a friend, had a similar experience. After the air raid alert was lifted, the women did not reach their ninth carriage in time, and they were denied entry to the fifth carriage by train staff. As the doors were closed before all passengers had finished boarding, the women were forced to postpone their trip until the next day.
According to Iryna, she has repeatedly heard about similar cases from other travelers. This issue requires public discussion, as it concerns systemic inconveniences faced by people when using rail transport.
Position of the rail carrier
Media representatives tried to obtain explanations from Ukrzaliznytsia regarding the time frame allocated for passengers to return to carriages after evacuation. Also, the question remains regarding the control over whether all persons who left the train due to the threat of shelling have returned. As of October 10, 2026, no response to these inquiries has been received from the company.
According to the current rules of Ukrzaliznytsia, train operations during a “yellow” level alert may continue based on decisions by monitoring groups. If a train is stopped and passengers are evacuated, staff must ensure they are dispersed to avoid crowding. During a “yellow” alert level, boarding and alighting are permitted, while passengers independently decide whether to remain at the station premises or move to a shelter.
Photo: Glavcom
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