In early October, the 20th anniversary of the opening of the renovated Uzhhorod railway station complex was celebrated, recalls Svitlana Lukach, chairwoman of the primary trade union organisation, and proudly tells about its history:
‘Our station is a real gift to the city. With its fabulous appearance, it sets guests up for joyful discoveries from the very first steps.
In general, the railway station in Uzhhorod appeared most likely 121 years ago, and the station even earlier, in 1872. At that time, the railway was already operating in Mukachevo, Chop, Berehove, and Batyv, so when the railway connected Uzhhorod with Chop, residents were able to get to Vienna, Budapest, and other European cities more easily.
The station, built at the very beginning of the twentieth century, miraculously retained its historic appearance, surviving two world wars and avoiding being transformed into a ‘modern’ glass and concrete building in the Soviet-era style. However, over time, it no longer met modern requirements.
In 2004, Heorhiy Kirpa, then Minister of Transport and CEO of Ukrzaliznytsia, and before that the head of the Lviv Railway, set out to turn the station into a jewel of Uzhhorod. Thanks to the hard work of the railway workers, the building in the shape of a colourful Transcarpathian castle was erected in just 8 months (the station tower resembles the tower of the Nevytsky Castle, the picturesque remains of which can be seen near Uzhhorod). The old station, which had become a suburban station, was organically combined with the new complex.
Thanks to its original architectural design, Uzhhorod railway station is always among the most beautiful railway stations in Ukraine and is a highlight and business card of the Transcarpathian region.
A friendly team was formed in the new building and a primary trade union organisation was established. We congratulate our colleagues on the 20th anniversary of the opening of the new station complex, the creation of a friendly team and the establishment of the Uzhhorod station primary trade union. We wish everyone peace and prosperity in our native Ukraine!’
