Orenburg Children's Railway

The children's railway in the city of Orenburg is one of the main attractions and the calling card of the city. The length of this railway is 6 kilometers, laid along the coastline of the Ural River.

There are three stationary stops on the children's railway route: Komsomolskaya station (Ural embankment), Kirovskaya station and Dubki station (located next to a group of children's health camps). Initially there were four stopping points, but the Pionerskaya station is currently not used due to its proximity to the “wild” beaches of Orenburg.

The Children's Railway has always been popular due to its location and unique atmosphere. The train carriages are always crowded and there are practically no empty seats.

The last major overhaul of the Orenburg Children's Railway was carried out in 1999, including the replacement of rolling stock, repair of a diesel locomotive and partial replacement of the railway track. Every year before the opening of the season, repair work has to be carried out along the entire route due to spring floods that wash away the soil from under the road, as well as due to rust on the rails caused by high humidity. In winter, cars and locomotives are preserved at the Dubki terminal station.

History of the creation of the Orenburg Children's Railway

In 1953, in the city of Chkalov (former name of Orenburg), a decision was made to build a narrow-gauge railway. This initiative was greeted with great enthusiasm by city residents, especially young people. Construction began on May 19 and was amazingly completed within 68 days. This was a unique achievement compared to other railways of the USSR and Russia.

Initially, a railway track was built over a distance of five kilometers, and two passenger platforms and three stopping points were equipped. The stations were wooden houses mounted on large wooden platforms.

However, due to the close location of the railway to the Ural River, the railway was often subject to spring flooding. Before each opening season, the children's railway had to carry out repair work, including filling up the embankment, replacing rotten wooden sleepers and clearing the track of debris carried in by water.

To protect carriages and locomotives from spring floods, a steeply uphill section of track was built at Komsomolskaya station. However, this site was never used due to the risk of looting and cargo theft.

In 1959, just 5 years after the opening, the locomotive and cars fell into disrepair due to improper storage and active use. Instead, new diesel locomotives and passenger cars were sent. In subsequent years, part of the train was written off, and new carriages and diesel locomotives took their place.

Crisis of the Orenburg Children's Railway

In the 1990s, the Orenburg Children's Railway (ODR) faced serious difficulties due to the economic crisis. During this difficult time, the Dubki children's camps were closed, and the number of passengers dropped sharply, which led to the closure of the railway.

In 1993, the Komsomolskaya station was completely destroyed due to a fire, and in 1997, the Dubki station also fell victim to fire. The remaining two stations also fell into disrepair due to lack of repair and maintenance, the wooden structures rotted and collapsed. The railway track was also gradually destroyed.

In 1999, the reconstruction of the Orenburg Children's Railway began thanks to the intervention of Mayor Gennady Dontsov. Over the next few years, stopping points were restored, locomotives were overhauled and the railway track was restored. In the fall of 2013, a new diesel locomotive TU10-021 was added to the rolling stock fleet.

Currently, the management of the Russian Railways plans to restore the interchange at the Pionerskaya station to launch two trains, which will increase passenger traffic and diversify the railway services.

Opening hours and fares in 2024

The opening of the children's railway season is planned for May 19. On this day, the first train for children this year will depart from the Ural embankment.

Railroad operations on Friday will be limited to opening day only. In the future, flights will operate on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The first train from Komsomolskaya station will depart at 10:00 am, and the last at 16:00. From Kirovskaya station, the first departures are scheduled for 10:40, and the last at 16:40. Each flight will also make a five-minute stop at Dubki station.

The main change in the work of the children's railway this year is an increase in ticket prices. Now travel for children from three to ten years old will cost 75 rubles, and for passengers over ten years old - 100 rubles. Children under three years of age will be able to travel for free, but they will not have separate seats in the carriages.

Purchased tickets will only be valid in one direction. To return back, the passenger will have to purchase another ticket.