Volgodonsk is a city in Rostov Oblast, Russia, located in the east of the oblast on the west bank of the Tsimlyansk Reservoir. Population: 28,000 (1970).

History

Volgodonsk was founded in 1950 as a small settlement for the Tsimlyansk hydroelectric dam maintenance personnel. It grew in size due to the construction of the Volga–Don Canal. On September 16, 1999, a powerful truck bomb exploded outside an apartment building, killing 17 people and injuring a further 69. It was the fourth explosion in a series of apartment bombings in Russia that killed more than 300 people.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, it is incorporated as Volgodonsk Urban Okrug—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, this administrative unit also has urban okrug status.

Economy

Volgodonsk is one of the economic leaders of Rostov Oblast. The economy of the city is centered around the nuclear industry. It is home to the Atommash factory, which manufactures nuclear reactors and related heavy machinery. The plant mainly builds Rosatom's VVER type pressurized water reactors both for domestic use and export. Four such reactors (VVER-1000 model) generated about 26 600 GWh of electricity at the Rostov nuclear power plant, located just 18 km from the city center. Atommash, the power plant, along with the two thermal power stations, are the city's main employers.

Transportation

The city is a regional transport hub on the Volga–Don Canal. A railway and M4 highway pass nearby. Bus routes were launched in 1954. There are presently thirty bus routes. Trolleybuses have been running since 1977. There are currently six trolleybus routes in the city. Volgodonsk port has a strategic importance as access to major ports of different countries.

Culture

Volgodonsk is one of the major cultural centers of Rostov Oblast. There are six art schools, two museums, seventeen historical and cultural sites, and three buildings recognized as architectural monuments of regional importance. The Cathedral of the Nativity is also situated in Volgodonsk.

Notable people

Twin towns

Sources