Launch of Ship through Tom's Dam Suspended Due to Presence of Rocks on Tomsk Dam
Hopping Across the Tom River: The "Nadezhda-2" Dilemma
Mark your calendars, Tomskians! The long-awaited passenger ferry service on the "Nadezhda-2" boat, set to commence from the city center to the left bank in 2025, faces an unexpected obstacle — the refurbished berth at the Governor's Quarter might not be passenger-friendly. Victoria Saifulinia, the boat's owner, shared her concerns with RIA Tomsk.
Initially, Tomsk Suvozd Company handled passenger transport to the left bank until 2022. In 2024, a private entity took over the ferry services with the "Nadezhda-2" boat. Saifulinia hinted at continued operations from the city center to left-bank destinations, such as the gardening cooperatives and Semenikin Island, even in 2025.
Unsafe Shoreline
"Our boat is undergoing painting, but the weather isn't cooperating. In theory, we're ready for May 9th, but we face a substantial issue. The shoreline at the end of the Governor's Quarter has been paved with large cobblestones. The boat can approach the shore, but passengers can't safely make their way to the river. Walking on cobblestones is risky, but we'll give it a try," Saifulinia shared.
This stretch of shoreline has served as the "Nadezhda-2" boat's mooring ground for decades because the boat doesn't require a substantial dock. However, landlords insist the area is a dam that safeguards the city during floods. In October 2024, after navigational closure, a contractor affiliated with the city hall brought large gravel to the area.
A representative from the city department of municipal services confirmed RIA Tomsk's report of graveling the shoreline's end in the Governor's Quarter during the autumn of 2024. This was done to strengthen the dam's upper bank.
As previously reported, the 2024 flood partially destroyed the bank's retaining wall between the governor's office building and the River Station, affecting an approximately 360-meter stretch. Repairs are planned for 2025, with 27 million rubles allocated from the Tomsk budget.
"I understand the situation, but please give me the chance to proceed (with a solution). If a single concrete staircase is built – give me that opportunity, I'll certainly take care of it, ensuring people can safely descend. Or perhaps a wooden staircase could be installed during the navigation period. Yet, they won't even allow that," Saifulinia added.
Another proposed solution by the ferry operator was to spread a 5-meter-wide layer of fine gravel over the large gravel. The city of Tomsk also rejected this proposal.
Saifulinia provided RIA Tomsk a letter she received from Dmitry Putrov's deputy, refusing her request to develop a safe disembarkation area. "The installation of additional staircases for the boat's boarding and unboarding of passengers on the hydraulic construction (dam - Ed.) is prohibited... On internal waterways, ships must dock at piers, at piers, <...> and also alongside the edge of the ship's course, if the ship's draft permits, and the character of the soil and factual depths," the letter stated.
Putrov also recommended Saifulinia use the Tomsk River Station pier for her operations. "The Tomsk River Station pier is in poor condition, repairing it isn't easy – special certified personnel are needed. And that would cost a fortune! Imagine: a fleet of passenger vessels repairing the pier — it's ridiculous!" Saifulinia summarized.
- The private entity, who took over ferry services with the "Nadezhda-2" boat in 2024, proposed building a single concrete staircase to ensure passenger safety in section 2025.
- Despite Victoria Saifulinia's strong plea for a safe disembarkation area, Dmitry Putrov's deputy denied the request, stating that installation of additional staircases on the hydraulic construction (dam) was prohibited.
- Frustrated by the obstacles, Saifulinia expressed her concern over the industry's finance and transportation regulations, inhibiting the growth of her business and the convenience of Tomsk's citizens.
- As the transportation sector continues to evolve, Saifulinia's predicament highlights the need for a more supportive, adaptable, and people-friendly approach within the strong Tomsk industry.
