UNOPS has signed new agreements with the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine and Ukrainian Railways, the national railway operator, as part of a project to repair essential logistics infrastructure and network connectivity.

Funded by the World Bank, the $50 million project – ‘Repairing Essential Logistics Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (RELINC) – aims to restore transport connections in Ukrainian communities affected by the ongoing conflict. It will also enhance the resilience of critical logistics chains, and expedite the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine's transport network. 

"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,” he added.

Transport on 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 priority for the country and contributes to global resilience in the face of challenges.

“Ukrainian Railways is expanding its portfolio of cooperation with international institutions,” explained Anton Mishyn, speaking on behalf of Ukrainian Railways.

“This is the first time we are receiving financial support from the World Bank, and we expect equipment and rolling stock deliveries as early as this year. I am convinced that this project’s implementation will help expand our partnership for further strategically important projects regarding Ukraine’s rail infrastructure,” he added.

Under the project, UNOPS will facilitate the procurement of modular bridges for the Agency. These bridges will be installed in locations where permanent bridges have been damaged. The modular bridges consist of prefabricated elements that are assembled to form the required span. The Agency will receive a fleet of modular elements and will be trained in their deployment. These modular structures are temporary, allowing the Agency to relocate them as permanent bridges are repaired. This approach enables faster restoration of transport connectivity, granting affected communities access to essential supplies and services.

Additionally, the collaboration with Ukrainian Railways includes procuring equipment for repairing critical railway infrastructure that has been damaged. It also involves the procurement of flatbed wagons to increase containerized transport capacity, required to ship humanitarian assistance and agricultural produce. Given the constraints on maritime transport due to the war, rail connections have become increasingly important.

“The free flow of people and goods is essential to a well-functioning resilient economy,” said Tim Lardner, UNOPS Ukraine Country Director.

“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,” he added.

“This is the Agency’s first project where an external procurement agent is involved. UNOPS, as the UN’s procurement specialists, serves as a guarantee of transparency in fund management,” said Mustafa Naiiem, Head of the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine.

“The RELINC project has four components, with infrastructure recovery receiving equal importance as transparency, accountability, and donor coordination. This encompasses audits, independent oversight, and support for institutional reforms in Ukraine's transport sector,” he concluded.