ST. PETERSBURG — The long-awaited Gornyy Institut Metro Station officially opened its doors to the public on December 27, 2024, at 9:00 AM, marking a significant advancement for St. Petersburg's public transport system. Governor Alexander Beglov described the inauguration as "a turning point" for the city, emphasizing the importance of the metro as a lifeline for citizens seeking expanded transport options.
Located on Vasilievsky Island and part of the Lahka-Pravoberezhna Line, the Gornyy Institut Metro Station is set to improve connectivity for the residents of St. Petersburg. Beglov expressed gratitude to the dedicated workers who made the project's realization possible, stating, "We have overcome the crisis and preserved the unique team of metro builders. Today, we see the first results." This sentiment captures the station's opening as more than just infrastructure; it's seen as symbolic of recovery and resilience.
The station, located 70 meters underground, is expected to serve approximately 97,000 passengers daily, making it one of the busy nodes of the city's metro network. The vestibule will allow both entry and exit, catering to the city's transport needs. Previously known as the Big Prospect station during its planning phase, the Gornyy Institut will bolster accessibility to the area, serving as the end point of the orange metro line.
The project faced several challenges over the years, stemming from bureaucratic delays to financial constraints—issues not unfamiliar to large urban development projects. Beglov noted, "Thanks to the support from the president and our dedicated teams, we retained the capacity for city metro construction, which is instrumental for St. Petersburg." His remarks reflect the intense effort made to complete this project amid challenging times for the city's transport infrastructure.
Construction for this station began back in September 2014, and the groundbreaking marked the beginning of improving the city's metro services. The entire segment from Spasskaya to Gornyy Institut spans 5.2 kilometers, establishing not just this station but also paving the way for future stations, Shkiperskaya and Morskoy Fasad, to follow. The strategic positioning at the intersection of Bol'shoy Prospekt V.O. and the Kosa Line adds to its relevance as it directly connects various neighborhoods across the expansive city.
The opening of the Gornyy Institut is anticipated not only to facilitate transport but also to significantly impact local real estate values. Traditionally, new metro stations boost the surrounding property prices by 10-15%, making ownership more desirable as accessibility improves.
Within the wider scope of St. Petersburg's urban planning, the new metro station aligns with existing initiatives fostering infrastructure growth. This development is not just about enhancing transport but is also seen as part of the city's broader economic strategy, aiming to facilitate growth and retain residents as cities around the globe evolve post-pandemic.
Gaining insights from past experiences, authorities have conducted comprehensive planning, including managing access, public safety, and integrating the new station effectively within the existing system. By prioritizing public feedback and transparent communication, city planners hope to navigate the initial post-opening challenges efficiently.
Governor Beglov concluded his remarks with appreciation for the patience shown by the citizens of St. Petersburg, highlighting how community involvement plays a pivotal role in infrastructure development, stating, "Thank you to all residents for your patience during this time of construction. This station is for you, to improve your daily transit experiences."
The Gornyy Institut Metro Station’s opening not only enhances public transportation options but is also symbolic of the city's resilience and commitment to its community. It stands ready to welcome passengers and usher St. Petersburg's metro system toward future achievements and improvements.
