Today, on February 20, the Center for Slavic Culture hosted a celebratory meeting dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Donetsk Railway foundation. According to the correspondent of the Official Website of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Transport Minister Dmitry Podlipanov read out the welcome address on behalf of DPR Head Denis Pushilin.
“The Kursk-Kharkov-Azov railway was commissioned in far 1870. We traditionally consider this date the foundation day of Donetsk Railway. It was this event that played a crucial role in the development of Donbass as an industrial region, and marked the beginning of the construction of the famous steel-smelting furnaces, factories and mines of the Donetsk region. During these years, Donetsk Railway transported the lion’s share of coal, metal, chemical products and machinery, ensuring rapid growth in production.
You are honorably doing your vital work now. Despite objective difficulties, you continue to ensure the delivery of raw materials and equipment, as well as the export of finished products from enterprises of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Another key area of your activities is comprised by passenger transportation. Last year alone, Donetsk Railway transported over 1.5 million people. Considering the challenges your company has faced, these figures can be called not just indicators, but a labour achievement!
Happy holiday to you, dear railway workers! I wish you the best conditions for active work, success in your hard work, good health, wellbeing, peace and prosperity to you and your loved ones!” the welcome address said.
According to Vladimir Kabatsiy, Director General of the Donetsk Railway State Enterprise, the company currently employs 13 thousand people.
“There are certain difficulties with the payment of wages due to the fact that the traffic volume has decreased. Nevertheless, we are not going to reduce the staff, we are optimistic about the future,” he said.
A number of industry workers were awarded certificates of honor and gratitude for valorous work during the restoration and development of Donetsk Railway.