The Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railway plans to allocate about Br30 billion for the reconstruction of the Vitebsk railway station

November 26, Vitebsk / Sergey Kotovets - BELTA/. The Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railways plans to allocate about Br30 billion for the reconstruction of the Vitebsk railway station, Deputy Head of the branch Pavel Potapenko told a BELTA correspondent. The project envisages the phased implementation of works without stopping the operation of the station complex. In 2009, the first construction phase worth Br7.8 billion was commissioned. This funding was used to reconstruct the right wing of the station building. Vitebsk residents and city guests have already been able to appreciate the comfort and coziness of the updated hall for transit passengers, which offers the full range of necessary services, including internet access. For the first time, it features 14 comfortable double rooms of a hotel type. Significant modernization has affected other infrastructure facilities of the station complex, including the medical center and luggage storage. An integral element of the reconstruction is the organization of a modern air conditioning and heating system in the building, as well as the creation of an accessible environment for people with disabilities. After the full completion of the works, such passengers will be provided with access to all the infrastructure of the station complex, emphasized Pavel Potapenko. The second stage of reconstruction, which is currently underway, involves work in the left wing of the station. This area houses ticket offices and a waiting room for suburban passengers, as well as catering facilities. The project also includes the repair of the first platform with the installation of a canopy for passengers. The total scope of work will amount to almost Br9 billion. The updated restaurant, cafe, chain of fast-food mini-cafes, and a modernly designed hairdresser's salon will be able to welcome their first visitors, likely during the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" international festival in July next year. In addition, in December of this year, in parallel with the work on the second construction phase of the station, it is planned to begin the major overhaul of the third and fourth platforms, as well as the reconstruction of the pedestrian bridge with exits to the platforms. The final stage will be the reconstruction of the central hall of the station complex, which houses ticket offices for intercity and international routes, a waiting room, and other infrastructure facilities. The preliminary cost of the entire reconstruction project is estimated at Br30 billion, but the investment volume may be adjusted after the design of the third construction phase is completed. The Vitebsk railway station building was constructed in the early 1950s according to the design of architect Boris Mezentsev. -0-