Komsomolsk gardeners cut off by railway expansion seek urgent solutions

Komsomolsk gardeners cut off by railway expansion seek urgent solutions

Michael Erickson
Michael Erickson•
• 2 Min.
A train travels on tracks beside a field of dried leaves and flowers, with a bus, utility poles, trees, buildings, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Komsomolsk gardeners cut off by railway expansion seek urgent solutions

Residents of the 'Metallurg-1' gardening partnership in Komsomolsk-on-Amur are facing difficulties accessing their plots. The issue stems from newly constructed railway tracks, part of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) modernisation. City officials are now working on solutions to ease the disruption. The problem began after the expansion of the Komsomolsk-Sorting Station and the modernisation of the BAM. New tracks were laid, blocking the usual routes to the gardening plots. While a new road was built alongside the tracks, it remains unopened, delaying the launch of a planned bus route.

Mayor Dmitry Zaplutayev has stepped in, instructing railway authorities and contractors to speed up the road’s completion. He also stressed the need to consider gardeners' interests in the railway development. By the end of May, traffic regulations for the new road section should be finalised, and an accelerated completion date is expected to be confirmed.

In the meantime, officials are arranging a temporary bus service to the gardening associations. Chairpersons of the partnerships will propose a schedule after consulting with residents. Additionally, Russian Railways (RZD) has committed to installing two proper crossings over the tracks, ensuring full compliance with safety standards. The new road and crossings aim to restore access for gardeners in the coming weeks. Once the road officially opens, a regular bus route to 'Metallurg-1' and other associations will begin operation. The city’s efforts focus on resolving the delays while maintaining safety and convenience for residents.