Railway workers receive congratulations on their professional holiday.

      On the eve of Railway Workers' Day, the regional branch of the United Russia party and the Public Support Headquarters organized an excursion to the Children's Railway of Nizhny Novgorod for the wards of the Social Rehabilitation Center "Lastochka." Over 20 children had the opportunity to learn about how the railway communication system is structured. "Kids who find themselves in difficult life situations often cannot boast of a happy past. That makes it even more important to provide these boys and girls not only with comfort and conditions for normal schooling but also to focus on their adult future. We already need to open new horizons for them and introduce them to various professions. On the eve of Railway Workers' Day, we offered the children a chance to immerse themselves in this profession, learn its features, and feel the romance of train journeys," noted Dmitry Filippenko, head of the regional executive committee of the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of United Russia. The excursion program began at the railway museum, where the children were told about the history of the Children's Railway and the Gorky Railway. The kids saw many rare exhibits, learned how train traffic was regulated in the past, and saw how traffic lights looked. Museum staff emphasized that the Children's Railway is not an attraction: everything operates in real conditions. "Our main goal is to inspire interest in railway work among children. We always explain in detail about each of the main professions and, of course, clarify that on the Children's Railway, they can try roles such as engineer, conductor, or dispatcher," said Natalia Fadeyeva, a cultural and mass work specialist at the Children's Railway of Nizhny Novgorod. The most anticipated part of the excursion was the train ride, conducted by their peers – the students of the Children's Railway. The route passed through the stations Rodina, Schastlivaya, and Pushkino. "I really enjoy studying on the Children's Railway. But I love the most going on trips. You communicate with real passengers. They are all different, and as a conductor, I must always be polite and friendly. I also like that we change professions; tomorrow I might become a driver," shared 12-year-old conductor Artem from the Children's Railway of Nizhny Novgorod. All the trainees of the "Lastochka" Social Rehabilitation Center were very satisfied. According to the children, this was their first such journey in life, and some were even inspired by the young employees of the Children's Railway. "It's all very cool! I haven't decided yet, but I liked everything: the railway atmosphere, how conductors welcomed us, and how the kids work as a team. Maybe when the time comes, I'll become a conductor myself," said Milana, a 10-year-old resident of the "Lastochka" Social Rehabilitation Center of the Nizhny Novgorod district. During the event, activists from the regional branch of the Youth Army of United Russia in Nizhny Novgorod visited the "Lastochka" commuter train to congratulate the conductors on their professional holiday. They presented ten gift sets and bouquets of flowers as a symbol of respect for their work. "Today, we honor those who make travel safe and comfortable for millions of Russians. Their work is the face of the industry! Railways connect the economy, culture, and people. Without them, the development of the Far East, Siberia, and the entire country would be unthinkable. Young people involved in RZD projects — whether repairing stations or digitalizing tracks — contribute to national security. The stories of heroic railway workers, like partisan and underground fighter Fyodor Malyshov, who blew up fascist trains in 1942, remind us that the steel highways have always been Russia's strategic shield," said Roman Zykov, leader of the regional branch of the Young Guard of United Russia and a veteran of the Special Military Operation. The congratulatory remarks caught the conductors by surprise at their workplaces: the women greeted the Young Guard members with surprised smiles, expressed gratitude, shared stories from their work practice, and happily posed for joint photos. The event created a truly festive mood. "Every passenger matters to us — from veterans to tourists. And this day is, of course, special for us. Such attention from young people motivates us to preserve the hospitality traditions laid down by Soviet railroad workers," said Darya Lukina, a train conductor.