Rail traffic in Russia`s Rostov region has been severely disrupted following drone incidents, leaving numerous passenger trains stranded. One drone`s debris caused a fire at the Kamennolomni station, while another led to power outages on a critical railway section. Passengers have been enduring delays of 10 to 15 hours in temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), with volunteers distributing water and food. Russian Railways (RZD) is actively working to restore normal operations.
Approximately 50 passenger trains operated by `Grand Service Express` and FPC are currently experiencing significant delays. The incident at Kamennolomni station occurred overnight when fragments of a downed drone struck the building, igniting a fire that necessitated the deployment of a fire train.
This disruption follows a similar event two days prior in the same region, where a neutralized drone caused a power cut on the Likhaya-Zamchalovo line. That incident halted at least 132 trains, with 60 eventually reaching their destinations but with substantial delays, some extending up to 15 hours.
The railway disruptions have now persisted for two days. Amidst the intense heat, passengers are receiving water and instant meals. Accounts from passengers and conductors in volunteer chats highlight the challenging conditions:
— “How are you feeling?”
— “We`re holding up, more or less, it`s hot.”
— “The air conditioning isn`t working.”
— “We also need toilet paper for passengers, but otherwise, everyone`s holding up, everyone`s fine, everyone understands.”
One passenger, Oksana, contacted Business FM, stating her train from Rostov was arriving in Sochi five hours late. While she reported no issues with food or water during the long wait in Rostov, she had to pay 9,000 rubles (approx. $100 USD) for a business lounge as no free seating was available at the station.
Aleksandra Kramarenko, a journalist from Rostov-on-Don, provided further details on the situation:
“Volunteers are on site, delivering large quantities of water because the line is de-energized, and the region is experiencing temperatures up to 40 degrees. Passengers are also provided with food and provisions. People are, understandably, exhausted after many hours of waiting. We have information that alternative transport for passengers is being considered, but this is not yet officially confirmed. Over the past weekend, 36 drones were shot down in the Rostov region. The consequences extend beyond the railway: in several districts, including Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, nine private homes sustained damage. There were no casualties among the general public, though a railway employee in Kamensk was injured during the debris fall; her life is not in danger.”
RZD states it is working to rectify the damages as quickly as possible. However, the automated hotline message indicates that services have been restored and trains are being “brought back on schedule,” which seems to contradict the ongoing delays.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth