For the first time in months, the sound of armed conflict in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, is increasingly giving way to the sounds of everyday life.

Buses and trains are once again ferrying passengers across parts of the city, as public transport services gradually resume.

For commuters, each restored route is helping make another part of the capital accessible.

But while transportation is becoming more available, travelling remains difficult and, for many, expensive.

“I hadn’t left Khartoum during the conflict. The situation is better now and everything is available, even if prices are higher. The availability of these services is the most important thing,” Khartoum resident Ibrahim Adam said.

For transport operators, however, keeping vehicles running comes with rising fuel and maintenance costs.

At one transport station, the return of activity is a sign of a city slowly rebuilding its daily routines. But damaged infrastructure remains a major obstacle. Roads and transport facilities affected by the conflict can mean longer journeys, higher vehicle maintenance costs and fewer routes for operators.

For residents, the return of public transport represents more than just mobility. It is a sign that movement – and daily life – is gradually returning to Khartoum.

Officials say restoring transport services is a priority for reconnecting the capital, but the scale of the task remains enormous.