Parade Ground Replaces Parking at Volgograd Station
Reporters asked locals and visitors for their views on replacing the parking lot at Volgograd-1 station with a paved pedestrian zone.
Jul 28, 2026 0
Citizens of Volgograd share their views on the ongoing station square renovation.
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In the center of Volgograd, large-scale reconstruction of Privokzalnaya Square continues. The project, which some call a historical park and others a scorching parade ground, has already sparked controversy. Reporters surveyed passersby to find out their attitude to the changes.
The shade from trees has been replaced by a fence with faded artwork.
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Recall that the key changes include the complete removal of mature trees, elimination of the parking lot and the drive-up to the station. The area has been covered with concrete and is being paved with tiles. Drivers and taxi drivers have to drop off passengers right on the roadway, while pedestrians make their way along the fence with suitcases under the sun.
The walk from the bus stop to the station entrance now requires a long detour.
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On Monday at 3 p.m., the square was crowded. Because of the fencing, passengers are forced to walk through a narrow corridor between the construction site and the building of the Privolzhskaya Railway (Volga Railway). Many arrive by taxi or personal cars — and they are the ones expressing the most negativity.
Passengers with suitcases must travel considerable distances to reach the station.
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«But where will cars stop then? So many people arrive every hour, where do we send them with their cars now?» complains a woman from Volzhsky. «And the trees, I hope they don«t die in this heat. They need regular care, watering. Not like we do: plant and forget».
Some travelers are burdened with more than one or two suitcases.
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«No pluses at all! Why did they need to make a park here when there«s already one just below? And people with suitcases… look, a whole crowd is struggling. It»s just ugh!» fumes an elderly woman flushed from the heat.
View of the road leading to the station after construction began.
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«So there won«t be any parking? Where will we park then? Before, we drove up and got out [at the station]. Now we have to find a place».
All mature trees on the station square have been cut down.
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However, supporters of the reconstruction were also found, especially among tourists. Many regret the lost parking but support the idea.
Pedestrians are forced to walk on the roadway due to barriers.
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«The work is impressive. We need to return to history, to the origins of our city. Because the historical center, in my opinion, is one of the things that attracts tourists to us. And it certainly pleases when the city thrives, and it«s felt. As a pedestrian, I»m for it. But as a motorist, I«m against».
Taxis stop with hazard lights on the road for drop-offs.
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«I«m not against it. But couldn»t they have thought about the people? How are we supposed to get to the road now? I remember when the airport was beyond two railroad crossings, and people from other cities came to visit me, they always swore: «this damn Volgograd.» Some missed their flights because of it. What is this for? So that people take away this negativity?»
Up to ten people gather under the only shaded spot near the station.
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«I«m all for it. As far as I»m concerned, it«s an excellent idea because the reconstruction restores the historical look of the square. But I feel very sorry about the parking. The same medical university students — many of them have cars. But there are only paid parking lots around, and they don»t have the money for them».
Some residents express their approval of the ongoing reconstruction project.
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Another problem is the giant fence, which forces bus passengers to make a long detour from the stop to the entrance, all during the peak holiday season. Many note that they now use trains as an alternative to planes.
Vehicle traffic near the station has become chaotic and disorganized.
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«We don«t know what will happen in the end, but now it»s peak season, everyone is going to the station, to the trains. Why couldn«t it have been done in winter or autumn, a little later? Why the rush? Or do it a bit later. I don»t have a car, so the parking doesn«t matter to me, but accessibility for pedestrians is very bad right now».
The situation creates inconveniences for both drivers and pedestrians.
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«I like the idea, but it«s taking a long time. I often travel on business trips, and it»s a long walk to the train through these barriers. And where do taxis drop off? Right here, [on the road], they kicked me out, and that«s it. Sometimes they drop off under the bridge — then you have to walk across the entire square to the station entrance».
«[The barriers] are temporary. Everything is fine, I see no issues».
Some people, contrary to the widespread opinion on the internet, were pleased with the future project, believing that the new park near the station will adorn the hero city.
«Probably it«s good that they»re doing something new. I think it«s all for the best».
«On the contrary, it«s good. We don»t need cars here. They always park them everywhere, you can«t walk. Put parking somewhere else, and here at least you can stroll. And it»s beautiful for tourists».
«As long as I«m walking, I»m on the pedestrian«s side. But when I get behind the wheel and start looking for a parking spot, I»ll start complaining. So I don«t know».
«Who needs this parking? Let them sell their cars, there«s no gasoline anyway».
However, for people with suitcases, the lack of access to the station provoked stronger emotions than the new public space.
«I«m from Moscow, but I»m against it. Because parking is very convenient. And there will be no pluses. Only if statistics show that the station square is overloaded and it«s necessary to increase the pedestrian zone, then there would be a plus. Otherwise, no».
«A park near the station is very inconvenient. What is this? No way to drive in or out. With these [points to seven suitcases] bags. How is that possible? I«m against».
«Time will tell. The people who did this must have been guided by something».
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