70th Anniversary Season Opening of the Children's Railway in Minsk

1 May in Minsk saw the long-awaited event — the K.S. Zaslonov Children’s Railway open its 70th anniversary summer season. This day, coinciding with the May Day celebrations, became a true festival for the young railway enthusiasts, their families, and all who attended the ceremonial opening.

Ceremonial Season Opening

The morning at Zaslonovo station began with festive bustle. Here gathered the young railway enthusiasts, their parents, and honored guests to celebrate the start of the new season together. Among the speakers were the Head of the Belarusian Railway, Valery Verenich; the Head of the Minsk Division of the BR, Vladimir Shevchenko; and the Head of Freight and Foreign Economic Affairs, Vyacheslav Sanzharovsky, who himself was once a pupil of this railway. Valery Verenich emphasized the special significance of the event, timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. He called the Children’s Railway a unique place where children not only learn about railway professions but also become part of the large BR family. “Many of you will connect your future lives with the railway. We are proud of you and always ready to support you,” he noted, addressing the young participants. The Head of the Children’s Railway, Maxim Markov, added that over 70 years the railway has become a true home for hundreds of youngsters, inspiring them to choose a railway career.

First Run of the “Capital Express”

The climax of the ceremony was the inaugural run of the “Capital Express” train. At 11:00 the train departed Zaslonovo station, passed through Pionerskaya, reached Sosnovy Bor, and then returned. Passengers, both children and adults, enjoyed the picturesque route and felt part of railway history. The young railway enthusiasts shared their impressions. Eleventh-grader Mikhail Pukhteev, who has been active on the railway for seven years, recounted how he stumbled upon an announcement in the metro and decided to try it. Now he dreams of becoming a station duty officer. Tenth-grader Valeria Pashkovskaya, who joined at her mother’s suggestion, noted that over five seasons she has made friends and gained confidence. Senior instructor Natalya Saevich added that training on the railway teaches discipline and responsibility, skills that will serve them in the future.

Train Schedule

The Children’s Railway has prepared an intensive schedule for the season:

• May: trains will run on weekends (1, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 May) from 11:00 to 16:58, 15 trips per day.
• Summer: from June through August the “Capital Express” will operate on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11:00 to 13:36, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 16:51.
• September: services are scheduled for weekends 6, 7, 13, and 14 September from 11:00 to 16:51.

Interactive Activities for Visitors

Visitors to the Children’s Railway can enjoy not only rides but also engaging activities. At Zaslonovo station there is an interactive module where everyone can feel like an engine driver by operating a virtual train. In the waiting hall an information kiosk provides interesting facts about the railway’s history and railway professions. There is also a large model demonstrating railway operations in automatic mode—fascinating to both children and adults.

Victory Day Concert

A special event awaits residents and guests of the capital on 9 May. At Sosnovy Bor station there will be a concert program dedicated to Victory Day. This will be another great reason to visit the Children’s Railway and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

How to Purchase Tickets

The ticket price for the train is 10 rubles. Tickets can be purchased:

• Online via the services bycard.by and 24afisha.by.
• At the ticket office of Zaslonovo station on train operating days.

For organized groups, advance booking is available by phone: +375 17 379 65 75. Additional information on the schedule and services can be found at www.rw.by or by calling the above number.

Children’s Railway — A Place for Relaxation and Inspiration

The anniversary season promises to be rich and exciting. For 70 years the Children’s Railway in Minsk has delighted its visitors, offering not only entertaining rides but also the chance to get a glimpse into the world of railway professions. It is a place where dreams are born and the future path for the next generation of railway workers begins.