On the occasion of Railway Workers' Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the employees of Ukrzaliznytsia on their professional holiday, awarding them with the Order of «For Merit» of the III degree and granting the honorary title of «Honored Worker of Transport of Ukraine».
«The Ukrainian railway is recovering from heavy blows, maintaining essential routes, transporting people and cargo. Since the beginning of this year, Ukrzaliznytsia has already transported over 135 million tons of cargo, and more than 90% of Ukrainian passenger trains arrive on time, strictly according to schedule, even when circumstances are extraordinary due to enemy shelling», – noted the President.
Volodymyr Zelensky also highlighted the humanitarian functions of Ukrzaliznytsia: over 3650 medical train trips have been made for the rescue of wounded Ukrainian defenders, as well as evacuating people from combat areas. Moreover, the employees of Ukrzaliznytsia perform a diplomatic function, facilitating over 1100 trips for foreign leaders and high-ranking officials to Ukraine and within the country.
The President assured that the state will increase salaries and support programs for Ukrzaliznytsia.
«In fact, the railway is a line of defense for our state, our people, our lives. A line that is under Russian fire every day. Unfortunately, there have been losses among our railway workers – 948 people, of whom 753 gave their lives for all of us, for Ukraine in the defense forces», – emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.
They honored the memory of all fallen railway workers with a moment of silence.
The Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine, Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba, a member of the supervisory board of Ukrzaliznytsia, Advisor to the President on Strategic Issues Oleksandr Kamyshin, and the head of the Ukrzaliznytsia board Oleksandr Peretskovsky presented the President with a new sleeping car and the first barrier-free car fully equipped for people with disabilities. Currently, there are 52 cars in the Ukrzaliznytsia fleet adapted for passengers in wheelchairs.
Additionally, they showcased an artistic car to Volodymyr Zelensky, containing photos reflecting the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
The President also engaged with the staff of the Food Train, which provides meals for residents of cities affected by Russian shelling in the absence of electricity.
