Grand Opening of New Metro Stations in Minsk: Plans, Prospects, and Details

December 30, 2024, became a historic day for the Minsk Metro: three new stations on the Zelenoluzhskaya Line — "Aerodromnaya," "Nemorshansky Sad," and "Slutsky Gostinets" — began operation. This event not only marked the end of the year with a milestone but also enhanced the city's transport system by providing residents of new districts with convenient access to the city center.

New Stations and Their Features

"Aerodromnaya" is located at the intersection of Mira Avenue and Nikola Tesla Street. The station is 18 meters deep, and its design is inspired by aviation themes. Cloud-shaped light fixtures and a sky-blue color palette evoke the memory of the airport that once stood here. "Nemorshansky Sad" continues the theme of nature: the station's columns are stylized as tree trunks, while decorative ceiling elements symbolize tree canopies. The station features four escalators and a modern elevator shaft. "Slutsky Gostinets" is adorned with motifs of the legendary Slutsk belts. The design predominantly features blue hues, symbolizing the Sluch River, with lighting implemented through rhombus-shaped structures. These stations have expanded the Zelenoluzhskaya Line, which now includes seven stations spanning a total length of 7.6 kilometers.

Construction and Local Technologies

Construction on the new metro section began in August 2017. The newly opened section is 4.08 kilometers long, with approximately 90% of the materials and equipment sourced from Belarus. As part of the project, the "Slutskoye" electric depot was built to service rolling stock produced in Belarus and Russia.

Future Plans: Overground Metro

At the opening ceremony, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the need to accelerate metro construction and announced plans for an overground metro system to connect Minsk with satellite towns. This project aims to combat overpopulation in the capital and ensure comfortable transport links with cities like Logoisk, Dzerzhinsk, and Smolevichi.

A Symbolic Moment

The ceremonial opening was attended by the head of state, who underscored the importance of this type of transport for Minsk residents. A symbolic key to the new metro section was handed to the president by Vasily Kosovets, the General Director of Minskmetrostroy.

Historical Significance

The Minsk Metro continues to evolve, from the first stations of the Zelenoluzhskaya Line opened in 2020 to today's advancements. The line is planned to eventually include 14 stations with a total length of 17 kilometers. With the opening of the new stations, residents of the Kurassovshchina and Minsk-Mir districts now have quick access to other areas of the city. The new metro section will be open to passengers starting today at 4:00 PM.