Railwayman's Day is a professional holiday for railway transport workers. Previously in Ukraine, railway workers celebrated it on the first Sunday of August, but in 2002, the date of the holiday changed and became fixed.
In wartime, railway workers perform extremely important and difficult work - since the start of the war, 'Ukrzaliznytsia' has evacuated several million Ukrainians to the west of Ukraine and abroad. Thanks to coordinated work, global celebrities and politicians have been able to visit Ukraine.
When Railwayman's Day 2025 is Celebrated
According to the decree of the President of Ukraine 'On Amending the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated July 15, 1993 No. 257' of December 11, 2002 No. 1140/2002, Railwayman's Day is celebrated annually on November 4.
Today in Ukraine, there are more than 30 thousand kilometers of railway tracks, approximately 300 thousand people work in the railway industry. These include drivers, communication workers, energy specialists, conductors, dispatchers, station attendants and many other specialists - all of them ensure the comfort and safety of passengers and cargo.
The History of Railwayman's Day
Railwayman's Day was established in the Russian Empire in 1896 and was celebrated annually on June 25 until 1917. After 1917, the holiday was forgotten for almost twenty years. In the USSR, the holiday was reinstated by a resolution on July 9, 1940. Railway workers celebrated the professional holiday on the first Sunday of August.
After gaining independence, the holiday was established in Ukraine according to the decree of the president 'On Railwayman's Day' dated July 15, 1993 No. 257/93-rp and was celebrated on the first Sunday of August, as in the USSR.
Railway Workers and the Great War
In two years of full-scale war, thanks to the professionalism of 'Ukrzaliznytsia' workers, more than 4 million Ukrainians have been evacuated, including 1 million children. A total of 1100 evacuation flights were carried out. Meanwhile, 601 railway workers have died since the start of the war.
Despite the war, the company is increasing cargo transportation volumes, creating new logistics chains, and searching for alternative routes for Ukrainian exports. More than 850 veterans have already returned to work in the railway industry.
Railwayman's Day in Ukraine is celebrated annually on November 4 according to the president's decree from 2002. On this day, railway workers who ensure the comfort and safety of passengers and cargo are honored, as well as those who create alternative routes for Ukrainian exports. In wartime, railway workers play a crucial role in evacuating the population and continue to work even during the great war, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and dedication to their work.