Saint Petersburg's new metro station, Gorny Institut, is set to open its doors to passengers on December 27, 2023, at 9:00 AM. This long-awaited event, which marks the start of operations for the Lazhtinskaya-Right Bank line, was confirmed by city governor Alexander Beglov through his Telegram channel.
Located at the intersection of Bolshoy Avenue and the Kosaya Line on Vasilyevsky Island, the Gorny Institut station aims to alleviate overcrowding at existing metro stations such as Primorskaya and Vasileostrovskaya. Beglov emphasized the importance of this new addition to the metro network, which has been awaited for years by local residents. He stated, "Opening the Gorny Institut is a turning point. We have overcome the crisis, preserved the unique team of metro builders. Today, we see the first results." His words reflect the collective effort of those involved in the station's construction and acknowledge the challenges faced along the way.
The Gorny Institut station's opening has been delayed multiple times. Originally expected to begin operations back in September 2023, the opening was postponed to December 25, and now to the confirmed date of December 27. Earlier, announcements made through local platforms hinted at the completion of construction, inciting excitement and anticipation from future passengers. According to reports, the construction work received the necessary clearance from the State Construction Supervision, paving the way for the opening.
Upon its launch, the new vestibule will provide entry and exit options for passengers, enhancing accessibility to the busy intersection. Beglov extended his gratitude to residents for their patience as they awaited the opening of the metro station. "Thank you to all St. Petersburg residents for your patience!" he expressed, acknowledging the anticipation surrounding this key public transport facility.
The construction of the Gorny Institut metro station is not just seen as a local victory but as part of larger plans to modernize St. Petersburg's transport infrastructure. Governor Beglov highlighted previous commitments to improve the city’s metro system, underscoring the dedication to ensuring efficient transit for millions of residents and visitors alike. The new station is anticipated to handle around 7,000 passengers during peak hours, which could significantly reduce the stress on surrounding metro stations.
The need for the Gorny Institut station emerged partially due to intense traffic at existing locations. Insights shared by Ilya Reznikov, chief engineer at the Planning Laboratory, explained the pressures faced by other nearby stations. "The station was critically needed, as residents on Vasilyevsky Island have waited too long for timely transit options," he remarked. The existing stations saw peak usage numbers exceeding 12,000 passengers per hour, creating compelling reasons to seek new solutions.
Notably, this station has been recognized for its depth as well, reportedly one of the deepest within the St. Petersburg metro, located approximately 70 meters underground. The underground vestibule boasts two exits, enhancing pedestrian flow from both Bolshoy Avenue and the Kosaya Line, signifying its role as not just another station but as an integral part of the city’s transport network.
Aside from the operational aspects, the completion of the Gorny Institut station also aligns with St. Petersburg’s broader transport objectives, which include future metro extensions. Plans are underway to expand services to reach areas like Pulkovo and more, thereby extending the metro’s reach and offering additional convenience to commuters. Current efforts include the reconstruction of other stations, like Chernyshevskaya, with expectations to add new lines and improve passenger experience.
With the Gorny Institut station finally opening its doors, the city anticipates addressing long-standing transportation challenges effectively. This launch will serve as not only a tactical response to immediate transit issues but also as part of St. Petersburg’s commitment to modernizing and enhancing public transportation across the region.
