Cárdenas Grande Unión Station

The exterior of the station seen from the passenger side.

The Grande Unión Station was built in the city of Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie, in 1686 AN, utilizing neo-Genevan architecture. The station sees 15 million passengers per year and is a hub for the Cárdenas Metro as well. In 1707 AN, it was chosen as the beginning point of the Cárdenas-Parap/San Luis High Speed Train Line.

Direct connections

Direct routes to Wechuahuasi, Santiago, Potosí, and Ciudad Real are regular features of the Grande Unión Station and the most popular routes bought by customers on a daily basis. The station also services the FDC Regional railroad network, connecting to Bemar, Choba, Conzalito, and Tastin.

History

Construction

Interior view of the upper layer of the station showing the concrete and steel ceiling with glass tiles in the center.

Construction began in 1686 AN together with much of the rest of Cárdenas. It utilized a large central hall with reinforced concrete and steel frame. The interior is characterized by a large rounded ceiling of concrete with a central lining of glass that lets in light. On the exterior, this half-round ceiling is clearly visible. To the left and right are waiting rooms used for restaurants and shopping malls. The main plaza is located directly above the tracks, and escalators and lifts pass downstairs. The metro station is located below this level.

At the opening, the station was a terminal station: trains going north had to turn at the large western University Junction Tracks. In 1704 AN, tunnels were dug on the eastern part, allowing trains to pass through the city without turning.

Opening

The Station formally opened on 14.VI.1686 AN and the first trains departed on the same day as daily service began.