MINSK: The Minsk metro, the only subway system in Belarus, marks its 40th anniversary this year. It is known for its convenience and speed; the metro has been an important part of the capital’s transportation network since its inception. The construction of the Minsk metro began in 1977, and the first line officially opened on June 30, 1984, connecting Institut Kultury to Moskovskaya stations. This made Minsk the ninth city in the then USSR to have a metro system.
A peculiarity of the Minsk Metro is it shallow depth, ranging from 10 to 17 meters below the surface, due to the high groundwater levels in the city. Despite this, the design of the metro maintains the architectural integrity of the city. Each station boasts a distinctive architectural style, reflecting attention to detail and reliability.
One unique feature of the Minsk metro is its shallow depth, ranging from 10 to 17 meters below the surface, due to the city’s high groundwater levels. Despite this, the metro’s design maintains the architectural integrity of the city. Each station boasts a distinctive architectural style, reflecting meticulous attention to detail and reliability.
Today, the Minsk metro consists of three lines: the Moskovskaya Line with 15 stations, the Avtozavodskaya Line with 14 stations, and the Zelenoluzhskaya Line with four stations. Covering a total track length of 41.74 kilometres, the metro operates at an average speed of 45 km/h, reaching up to 80 km/h in some sections.
The system serves approximately 800,000 passengers daily, making it the fourth busiest metro among the 16 systems in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Additionally, mobile phone service is available at all metro stations, provided by the main mobile carriers.
As it celebrates four decades of operation, the Minsk metro continues to be an important part of the city’s infrastructure, reflecting both its historical significance and its modern advancements.
