UNOPS has delivered 12 sets of modular bridges, totalling a length of 475 metres, 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,” said Mustafa Nayyem, Head of the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure.

“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,” he added.

Under the initiative, the Agency is set to receive another six bridge sets, totalling 238 metres, along with training on their installation. These structures are temporary, allowing the Agency to relocate them as permanent bridges are repaired.

"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 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 building resilience in the face of challenges.

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

“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.

The ‘Repairing Essential Logistics Infrastructure and Network Connectivity’ (RELINC) project is a $50 million initiative in Ukraine funded by the World Bank’s Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Trust Fund. Implemented by UNOPS, it aims to provide the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure and the national railway operator Ukrainian Railways with the means to mitigate the impact of damaged transport networks on the country’s people and economy. This involves delivering a fleet of modular bridges for the Agency, expanding the rolling stock of Ukrainian Railways, and providing vehicles and equipment for railroad repairs. These interventions are expected to improve the resilience of critical logistics chains, which will in turn facilitate recovery and reconstruction.

According to the Third Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment(RDNA3) jointly prepared by the World Bank, the government of Ukraine, the European Commission and the United Nations (updated in February 2024), Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction needs as of the end of 2023 are estimated at $486 billion. 15 per cent of these needs (almost $74 billion) are in the transport sector, second only to housing. The costs — estimated within a period of 10 years — include measures required for lower energy intensity and more resilient, inclusive, and modern standards.