Heated Carriages Deployed at Chełm Station
In response to severe frosts and the ongoing renovation of its main station building, Ukrainian Railways has opened heated carriages for waiting passengers at the Chełm station in Poland. With temperatures dropping to -10°C and the station under reconstruction since 2024, these carriages offer a vital warm shelter for travelers making connections to other trains. This initiative highlights the ongoing challenges of cross-border rail travel in Eastern Europe, especially during winter.
The warming carriages are opened two hours before train departures. Passengers can find comfort inside, including the provision of hot tea. Additionally, a mobile 'Invincibility Point' has been set up at the station to provide further support to passengers facing difficult conditions.
Passenger Reactions
Travelers awaiting connections to Warsaw and other cities have expressed their gratitude to Ukrainian Railways for creating these facilities. One passenger, Oksana Sokolova, shared her experience:
“A huge thank you to Ukrainian Railways! During my transfer in Chełm, Poland, it's -10°C outside, there's no station building as it's under renovation, and the snow is so deep you can't even drag your suitcase to the nearest 'Żabka' store. But a Ukrainian miracle is happening here! Our conductors open the carriages two hours before departure. They've warmed them up and even heated tea!” - Oksana Sokolova
Through these actions, Ukrainian Railways demonstrates its commitment to supporting passengers during harsh weather, ensuring their comfort and warmth while they wait.
The deployment of heated carriages at Chełm station is a testament to the adaptability of Ukrainian Railways in facing winter challenges, particularly during the station's reconstruction. These measures aim not only to improve traveler comfort but also to underscore the importance of safety and support in extreme weather. This allows passengers to stay warm and access necessary services while waiting, positively impacting the company's reputation in an international context.