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Add to Preferred SourcesThe project brings hope to communities affected by the war by rebuilding essential logistics infrastructure. UNOPS has delivered 12 sets of modular bridges, totaling a length of 475 meters, to the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine.
Worth $15.4 million, they will be installed in locations where permanent bridges have been damaged, re-establishing transport connections to support local trade and mobility. This is part of a $50 million project funded by the World Bank’s Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Trust Fund.
The project, called ‘Repairing Essential Logistics Infrastructure and Network Connectivity’ (RELINC), aims to help mitigate the immediate impact that damaged transport networks have on Ukraine’s population and economy. It will also enhance the resilience of critical logistics chains, and expedite the country’s recovery and reconstruction.
“Cooperation with UNOPS as part of this World Bank project represents valuable experience for us, since this is the first time that we are dealing with an external procurement agent. The modular bridges we received will significantly expand our capacity to restore transport connections for the benefit of communities. This is an important contribution to Ukraine’s resilience,” said Mustafa Nayyem, Head of the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure.
Under the initiative, the Agency is set to receive another six bridge sets, totaling 238 meters, along with training on their installation. These structures are temporary, allowing the Agency to relocate them as permanent bridges are repaired.
”This initiative represents a crucial step towards restoring transport connections and accelerating the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine’s transport network”, Jorge Moreira da Silva – Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director.
“This project is not just about delivering infrastructure, it is about rebuilding lives and creating a foundation for a brighter future. By investing in the restoration of transport connectivity, we are enabling individuals to reach healthcare facilities, children to access education, businesses to thrive, and communities to flourish,” added Jorge Moreira da Silva.
As part of this project, Ukrainian Railways, the national railway operator, has also started to receive vehicles and equipment for repairing railway infrastructure – including loaders, excavators, and drilling machines. The company will also receive 200 flatbed wagons, increasing its containerized transport capacity. Production of the wagons is underway.
Transport by road and rail is crucial for moving goods within Ukraine and across its borders. Replacing destroyed bridges on road networks, repairing damaged rail lines, and enhancing the freight capacity of the national railway company is a top priorities for the country and contribute to building resilience in the face of challenges.
“The free flow of people and goods is essential to a well-functioning resilient economy. Connectivity is about whether people are able to reach their doctor, provide their children with decent education, buy essential goods, and enjoy economic opportunities. The extent of the damage dealt to Ukraine’s transport sector is immense, and UNOPS is working hard with the World Bank and our partners to help recover what’s been lost and to build back better,” said Tim Lardner, Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Ukraine.