Miory Regional Executive Committee
As passengers peacefully rest in compartment and standard carriages amid the clatter of wheels somewhere between major cities, and freight trains speed to deliver export cargo, railway workers selflessly ensure the safety and reliability of transportation. On the first Sunday of August, they received congratulations marking their professional holiday.
In the northern region, the holiday was observed by nearly 12,000 individuals connected to the industry in one way or another, including branch veterans. The outstanding members of the Vitebsk Branch of the Belarusian Railway were honored at a formal assembly.
Sergei Novodvorsky, Chief Engineer of the Belarusian Railway, congratulated the workers of the northern region. He described the railway as a vital link and the locomotive of the national economy, emphasizing that the railway upholds its distinguished traditions and remains committed to development. Rolling stock is being upgraded with new wagons and locomotives, while the digitalization of processes has made purchasing e-tickets more convenient for passengers. Even the necessary restructuring of cargo supply logistics proved beneficial. Indeed, it was a challenging period, but exports of industrial enterprises remain fully secured, and international cooperation with colleagues from Russia and Kazakhstan—through whose territories Belarusian Railway routes run—has been strengthened.
“Today, certain routes have been adjusted. This presented a specific challenge that we successfully met with honor, together with our colleagues from Russian Railways. Your route serves as a key segment of the 9th Transport Corridor, through which cargo is delivered to the major ports of Northwestern Russia,” Sergei Novodvorsky noted in his address to railway professionals in the Vitebsk region.
Trains running on rails transport millions of passengers annually and handle cargo loads that exceed the capacity of road transport. Around the clock, operations run reliably and efficiently thanks to professionals who have dedicated their careers to this demanding field.
– There are many professions, and in fact, every employee is worthy of pride. More than 7,000 people work in 21 structural subdivisions of the Vitebsk Branch. Our common task is to ensure stable and safe transportation of passengers and cargo. Every employee makes a significant contribution to accomplishing this task, – noted Alexander Khomchenko, Head of the Vitebsk Branch of Belarusian Railway.
More than 70 people received industry awards, certificates of honor, letters of appreciation, and valuable gifts at the ceremonial meeting. Among the recognized outstanding workers in the field was Vasily Lyskovets, driver at the Department of Material and Technical Supply of the Vitebsk Branch of Belarusian Railway.
– I like it, this is my job – I have been here for 18 years, – he shared proudly. – It is nice to travel around Belarus. In just four days, I have already covered 1,400 km: Brest, Minsk... We deliver spare parts, materials, workwear, and other items as needed. It is important to approach everything responsibly, count and check all items so that they remain intact and undamaged.
Just a few years ago, working in this industry was a dream for Natalia Shner. The young woman proved to herself that nothing is impossible. For the sixth year running, Railway Worker's Day is marked in red on her calendar.
– I always used to pass by the building of the Vitebsk Branch and the station building with special reverence. For me, it was something unattainable. The clatter of wheels is such romance. Today, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride. It is a great blessing to be part of such a vast, strong, and powerful organization, – noted the Senior Archivist of the Department of Organizational Support of the Branch. – On the one hand, my work is modest, dealing with documents. On the other, we preserve the history of the railway so that there will be something to pass on to our children and grandchildren. Many people come to us now for their relatives' personal files to find out how their great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers worked, and how the railway operated in the late 19th century.
Galina Mazgo’s professional career has been devoted entirely to the railway, covering all 38 years. Previously working as a technician and telephone operator, she has been recognized as a branch veteran for 12 years. Her merits on the railway remain well known. The pensioner gladly accepts invitations to take part in both official and creative initiatives, such as exhibitions of thematic floral compositions dedicated to the holiday. She fondly remembers how the family tradition began when her husband served as a train dispatcher.
– The work is demanding. It has its own specifics and nuances, and operates on a shift schedule, – stated Galina Mazgo. – My husband also completed 38 years of service. Our son serves in the armed forces, while my husband and I are railway employees. Upon retirement, we were able to evaluate the railway service not only from within but also from the perspective of passengers. It is highly convenient! Diesel trains run frequently, stations are well-located and comfortable, and pensioners receive benefits from May 1 through October.
Thanks to veterans, the traditions of the railway have been preserved, and today they are carried forward by new generations of railway professionals. Some belong to hereditary families. Within the Vitebsk Branch, multi-generational families continue their work, with a combined service record exceeding four hundred years.
– The railway continues to uphold its reputation as a reliable, steadfast, and responsible partner for all cargo shippers. Passengers place their trust in us and make extensive use of all forms of rail transport, – stated Sergey Novodvorsky.
The railway network will continue to develop and undergo modernization. Ambitious objectives will contribute to making passenger travel even more comfortable, while optimized freight logistics will increase cargo throughput, paving the way for new prospects.