Reviving Hope: The Kharkiv Railway Station Refurbishment Initiative 

In the heart of Kharkiv, a city that has felt the weight of conflict, a quiet revolution was taking place at the local railway station. This wasn’t just a construction project; it was a lifeline for many. As the war raged on, the Kharkiv Railway Station transformed from a bustling transport hub into a beacon of safety and dignity, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the HAVEN Consortium, a network of organizations working for civilians in Ukraine. 

A New Purpose for an Old Station 

When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, train stations like Kharkiv became critical lifelines for internally displaced persons (IDPs), humanitarian workers, and even ex-combatants. These spaces, once merely transit points, morphed into essential shelters for those fleeing danger. However, the harsh realities of waiting for hours—especially during air raid alerts—brought new challenges. Long lines, crowded waiting areas, and insufficient sanitary facilities exposed civilians to heightened security risks. 

Recognizing this dire situation, the Regional Director of Kharkiv Railway Systems of Ukrzalyznitsya (Ukrainian Railways) urgently called for a refurbishment of a previously neglected underground portion of the station in February 2024. His vision was clear: to create a safe, clean, and functional space for those in need. Representatives from Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) and the Relief Coordination Centre (RCC) were invited to assess the current conditions, and what they discovered was troubling. Significant changes would be needed to create a welcoming space in line with the Regional Director’s vision. Together, the organizations worked hand-in-hand, conducting regular site visits to ensure that every detail of the refurbishment was up to standard. 

As the project unfolded, it became clear that the enhancements weren’t just about aesthetics. They were about creating an environment where ex-combatants and civilians alike could feel safe and dignified.  

Transforming Spaces, Changing Lives 

By the end of March 2024, just in time for a new wave of evacuees, the refurbishment was complete. The once-uninviting waiting hall was transformed into a welcoming space for ex-combatants, improving their overall sense of security. The inclusive bathroom facilities now provided safe access for parents with young children and civilians with limited mobility—groups often overlooked in crisis situations. 

Before and after – Ex-combatants waiting area  

Before and after – Inclusive bathroom area  

“Currently, air raids last almost all day, forcing our passengers to spend the entire waiting time on the underground floor of the station. The completion of the refurbishment is therefore very timely,” The Kharkiv Regional Railway Director reflected on the impact.  

“Now, it is much more comfortable, with access to toilets and showers. These premises are also accessible from the metro station, which doubles as a bomb shelter. We recognized early on that this was necessary and implemented it proactively. Now, as sheltering at the station has become especially relevant, we are better prepared." 

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned 

Since March 2023, the HAVEN Consortium has been actively engaged in improving evacuation services in the Kharkiv region. From refurbishing shelters to disseminating vital information at transit points, every initiative has been rooted in the principle of dignity for those on the move. 

As conflict continues and the need for safe evacuations remains critical, the lessons learned from the Kharkiv Railway Station refurbishment will guide future efforts. The collaboration among the Consortium members demonstrated the power of unity in the face of adversity. Together, they created a model for how humanitarian responses can evolve and adapt, prioritizing the safety and dignity of all civilians. 

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This project was made possible through the generous support of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It aligns with the HAVEN project's core objective of strengthening humanitarian and civilian response structures in frontline territories, ensuring sustained services for war-affected communities. 

Geneva Call (GC) allocated funds from its budget, while the Relief Coordination Centre (RCC) managed the financial and logistical implementation, working closely with the Administration of the Regional Railway Systems. Throughout the refurbishment, NP, GC, and RCC conducted regular joint visits to the Central Railway Station to ensure that all conditions were met. By the end of March, the project was successfully completed, marking a significant step forward in enhancing safety and dignity for those passing through this vital transit point.