The best employees of the Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railways were honored in Vitebsk
In the northern region, it was celebrated by nearly 12,000 people somehow connected with the industry, including veterans of the department. The best representatives of the Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railways were honored at a formal meeting.
The head of the northern region's industry, BZhD Chief Engineer Sergey Novodvorsky, congratulated the workers. He called the steel highway a special link, the locomotive of the country's economy, and emphasized that the railway continues glorious traditions and is focused on development. The rolling stock is improving (wagons and locomotives are being received), and the digitalization of processes makes purchasing electronic tickets more convenient for passengers. Even the forced revision of cargo logistics worked out for the better. Yes, it was not easy, but the export of industrial enterprises is ensured, and international ties with colleagues from Russia and Kazakhstan, through whose territories BZhD routes run, have been strengthened.
"Today, some directions have changed. It was a certain challenge that we withstood with honor, along with our colleagues from Russian Railways. One of the main routes passes through your region – the 9th transport corridor, along which cargo goes to the largest ports of the Northwestern region of Russia," emphasized Sergey Novodvorsky, addressing the industry workers in the Vitebsk region.
Trains gliding along the rails transport millions of people annually and handle the delivery of cargo that road transport cannot manage. Day and night, everything works reliably and efficiently thanks to people who have dedicated their lives to this difficult craft.
– There are many professions, and in fact, every worker can be proud. Over 7,000 people work in the 21 structural divisions of the Vitebsk branch. Our common task is to ensure the stable and safe transportation of passengers and cargo. Every employee makes a significant contribution to the fulfillment of this task, – noted Alexander Khomchenko, head of the Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railway.
More than 70 people received industry awards, certificates of honor, commendations, and valuable gifts at the ceremonial meeting. Among the recognized front-runners in the field is Vasily Lyskovets, a car driver at the material and technical supply department of the Vitebsk branch of Belarusian Railway.
– I like it, it’s my job – I’ve been here for 18 years, – he shared with pride. – It’s nice to drive around Belarus. In four days, I’ve already covered 1400 km: Brest, Minsk… We deliver spare parts, materials, special clothing, and other items as needed. It’s important to approach it responsibly, count everything, check everything, to ensure it’s in perfect condition and safe.
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 now, Railway Worker's Day is also marked in red on her calendar.
– I always passed by the Vitebsk branch building, the station building, with special awe. For me, it seemed unattainable. The clatter of wheels – such romance. Today, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride. It is a great happiness to be part of such a huge, strong, powerful organization, – noted the leading archivist of the organizational support department of the branch. – On the one hand, my work is modest, with documents. On the other hand, we preserve the history of the railway so that there is something to pass on to children and grandchildren. Many people now come to us for personal matters of their relatives to find out how their great-grandmothers, great-grandfathers worked, how the railway operated at the end of the 19th century.
Galina Mazgo's work history features only the steel highway, all 38 years of it. A former technician and telephone operator, she has been a veteran of the department for 12 years. Her merits on the railway are remembered. The pensioner willingly accepts invitations to participate in both official and creative projects – exhibitions of thematic floral compositions in honor of the holiday. She fondly recalls how a family business was formed when her husband was a train dispatcher.
– The work is not easy. It has its own peculiarities, nuances, shift work, – said Galina Mazgo. – My husband also worked for 38 years. Our son is in the military, and my husband and I are railway workers. When we retired, we appreciated the work of the railway not only from the inside but also from the outside. It's very convenient! Our diesel trains run frequently, the stops are well-thought-out and comfortable, with benefits for pensioners from May 1 to October.
Thanks to the veterans, the traditions of the steel highway have been preserved, and today they are being developed by new generations of railway workers. Some are hereditary. The Vitebsk department employs labor dynasties whose combined service exceeds four hundred years.
– The railway maintains its image as a reliable, loyal, and responsible partner for all freight forwarders. Passengers believe in us and make extensive use of all types of railway transport, – stated Sergey Novodvorsky.
The steel highway will continue to develop and modernize. Ambitious goals will help make passenger travel even more comfortable, and improved freight transportation algorithms will increase cargo flow, opening up new horizons.