Poll: Volgograd Split Over Station Square Overhaul
City residents were asked their opinions on the ongoing reconstruction of the square.
A massive reconstruction of Privokzalnaya Square is underway in central Volgograd. Some call the project a historical park, others a scorching parade ground. Journalists from V1.RU decided to ask residents and tourists rushing with suitcases at Volgograd-1 station about their attitude to the transformation of Privokzalnaya Square. See what came of it below.
A fence with a faded picture now provides the only shade for tourists.
Recall that the two main features of the new square will be the complete absence of mature trees, which were all cut down, and the removal of parking and vehicle access to the station — all of this has been paved over with concrete and new tiles that are now being laid in the fenced-off area.
Now passengers must walk about half a kilometer to reach the train.
Another feature of the reconstruction is the traffic organization: drivers and taxi drivers have to drop people off right on the road, with their hazard lights on, while pedestrians have to squeeze with their suitcases along a fence under the scorching sun.
Many travelers have to cover a considerable distance carrying their suitcases.
Monday, three in the afternoon — the peak of activity on Privokzalnaya Square. Because of the fence installed along its entire length, passengers converge into one spot — a narrow corridor between the construction site and the office of the Privolzhskaya Railway. Many arrive at the station by car or taxi — they express most negativity towards the project.
Some have more than one or two suitcases to manage through the chaos.
«And where will cars stop then? So many people arrive every hour, where should they go 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 here: plant and forget.»
The route to the station now looks like this, with long detours.
«No pluses at all! Why did they have to make a park here when there«s already one a bit below. And people with suitcases... look, a whole crowd suffering. It»s just yuck!» — fumes another woman, red-faced and furious from the heat, elderly.
The square now has not a single tree left standing after the reconstruction.
«So there will be no parking? Where to park then? Before, we came by car and got out (at the station). Now we have to look for a spot.»
Pedestrians are forced to walk along the road due to construction barriers.
Surprisingly, there were many among residents and visitors who supported the reconstruction. More supporters were among tourists, but many expressed regret that the city would have to sacrifice convenient parking for the sake of the park.
People board taxis waiting with their hazard lights flashing on the road.
«The work is impressive. We need to return to history, to the roots of our city. Because the historical center, in my opinion, is one of the things that attracts tourists to us. And it«s certainly heartening when the city is thriving and you can feel it. As a pedestrian, I»m for it. But as a motorist, I«m against.»
Up to ten people now huddle in the only patch of shade near the station.
«I«m not against. But couldn»t they have thought about people? How to get to the road now? I remember when the airport was beyond two railway crossings, and people from other cities came to me, they always cursed: «this damn Volgograd». Some missed their flights because of it. What is this for? So that people take away this negativity?»
Despite the inconvenience, some residents still approve of the project.
«I«m all for it. In my opinion, it»s a great idea because the reconstruction restores the square«s historical appearance. But it»s a shame about the parking. The medical university students, for instance — many of them have cars. But there are only paid parking lots around, and they can«t afford them.»
Vehicular traffic around the station has turned into complete chaos.
Another problem for passengers is the giant fence, which forces those arriving by bus to make a huge detour from the bus stop to the checkpoint. And all this at the height of vacations and resort trips, when due to circumstances people openly note that they use trains as an alternative to planes.
The chaos affects not only drivers but also pedestrians.
«We don«t know what will end up happening, but it»s the peak season now, everyone is going to the station, to the trains. Why couldn«t they do it in winter or autumn, a bit later? Why the rush now? Or do it later. I don»t have a car, I don«t care about parking, but accessibility for pedestrians is very bad now.»
«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 dumped me, and that«s it. Sometimes they drop you under the bridge — then you have to walk across the entire square to the station entrance.»
«The fences are temporary. Everything is fine, I see no issues.»
Some people, contrary to the prevailing online opinion, were pleased with the future project, stating that the hero city will only become more beautiful with a new park near the station.
«Probably it«s good that they are making something new. I think everything is for the best.»
«On the contrary, it«s good. Cars are not needed here. They always park them everywhere, you can»t walk. Put the parking somewhere else, and here at least you can take a stroll. And for tourists, beautiful surroundings.»
«While I«m walking, I»m on the pedestrian«s side. But when I get behind the wheel and start looking for a place to park, then I»ll start complaining. So I don«t know.»
«What«s the need for this parking? Let them sell their cars, there»s no gasoline anyway.»
However, for people with suitcases, the lack of vehicle access to the station entrance provoked much stronger emotions than the new public space in the center of Volgograd.
«I«m from Moscow, but I»m against. Because parking is very convenient. And there will be no pluses. Only if statistics show that the station square is overloaded and the pedestrian zone needs to be increased, then there would be a plus. Otherwise, no.»
«A park near the station is very inconvenient. What is this? No way to get in or out. With bags like these (points to seven suitcases). How is that possible? I«m against.»
«Time will tell. The people who did this probably had some reason.»
