An interesting fact about Ukraine is that it is home to the deepest metro station in the world, the Arsenalna station in Kyiv.
Un fait intéressant à propos de l’Ukraine est qu’elle abrite la station de métro la plus profonde du monde, la station Arsenalna à Kiev.
This station is located on the Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska Line of the Kyiv Metro system and had held the record for being the deepest subway station globally up to 2022 when Hongyancun station in China (116 meters, 381 feet) was opened. Situated at a depth of 105.5 meters (346 feet) below ground level, the station requires escalators that take passengers on a long descent to reach the platforms. This impressive engineering feat showcases Ukraine’s commitment to efficient and reliable public transportation, and it serves as a notable landmark within the bustling capital city of Kyiv.
The station was also designed with a unique layout as the platforms are separated and not apart of a central concourse like the other stations on the metro network and is thus similar to stations on the London Underground. The station’s appearance is mostly monochromatic with plastered vault ceilings, marbled pylons, ceramic tiled walls all of which are white in colour.
It takes a total 4 minutes and 11 seconds to reach the platform from the entrance and requires riding two separate escalators. The escalator ride to and from the stop can last up to five minutes, which is why many locals tend to run down the dizzyingly long steps. The station is so deep in fact that it requires multiple escalators and platforms just to reach it. The station was completed in 1960 and was named after the nearby Kyiv Arsenal Factory, founded in the 18th century. The architecture features imposing pylons that remind commuters of the crushing tons of earth and water above their heads, but they are just reminders as they exist purely as decoration.
The station went into reconstruction in 2020 and was opened partly in 2021. The complete reconstruction and restoration of nearby historical buildings were finished in August 2021 and the station was opened on 2 September 2021.
After the Russian invasion on 24 February, 2022 — Arsenalna became a bomb shelter.
Oleksandra Chernetska