The newly opened monument of the 1st Russian railway minister Pavel Melnikov, who in the XIX century spearheaded construction of the country's first railway line linking Moscow and St.Petersburg. The opening ceremony was held to coincide with the Railway Worker Day (1st Sunday of August).

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov takes part in the opening ceremony of Pavel Melnikov Monument. Pavel Melnikov (Russia's 1st railway minister) Monument opening ceremony was held in Komsomolskaya Square to coincide with the Railway Worker's Day (1st Sunday of August).

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov leaves Komsomolskaya Square after taking part in the opening ceremony of Pavel Melnikov Monument. Pavel Melnikov (Russia's 1st railway minister) Monument opening ceremony was held to coincide with the Railway Worker's Day (1st Sunday of August).

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov (centre) takes part in the opening ceremony of Pavel Melnikov Monument. Pavel Melnikov (Russia's 1st railway minister) Monument opening ceremony was held in Komsomolskaya Square to coincide with the Railway Worker's Day (1st Sunday of August).

The ceremony of the unveiling the monument to the first russian transport minister Pavel Melnikov at Komsomolskaya sq. devited to the Day of railroad man.

Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov (left) and president of Russian Railways (RZD) company Gennady Fadeyev takes part in the opening ceremony of Pavel Melnikov Monument. Pavel Melnikov (Russia's 1st railway minister) Monument opening ceremony was held in Komsomolskaya Square to coincide with the Railway Worker's Day (1st Sunday of August).