Rasamny, Salame inspect Mar Mikhael Train Station in presence of Italian Ambassador
NNA - Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, and Minister of Culture, Dr. Ghassan Salame, on Friday paid a joint visit to the historic Mar Mikhael train station in Beirut to inspect a landmark restoration project funded by the Italian government. The initiative aims to rehabilitate the station's buildings, structures, and railcars while preserving their historical and cultural character.
It also includes the creation of a green space within the station, envisioned as a vibrant venue for cultural, academic, and artistic events—aligned with the site's location, size, and anticipated role in the revival of Lebanon's railway system.
The visit was attended by Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Fabrizio Marcelli, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Marco Rusconi, AICS Beirut Director Alessandra Piermattei, Director General of the Railway and Public Transport Authority Ziad Nasr, Director General of the Directorate General of Antiquities Sarkis Khoury, UNESCO Representative Costanza Farina, UN-Habitat Representative Hiroshi Takabayashi, Deputy UN-Habitat Director Tarek Assi, and AICS heritage expert George Sharabi.
Minister Rasamny was briefed by Director General Ziad Nasr on the ongoing restoration of the station's perimeter wall adjacent to Charles Helou Highway.
The Works Minister also held a meeting with staff at the General Directorate, where he reviewed major challenges facing Lebanon's public transport sector.
Discussions reportedly highlighted recent achievements, most notably the relaunch of public buses along several routes in Beirut and its outskirts despite the difficult operating environment.
Moreover, Rasamny announced that within two weeks, three new bus routes will be launched from Beirut to key destinations: north to Tripoli, south to Sidon, and east to Chtoura. He also praised the authority's accomplishments under challenging circumstances and urged continued efforts in the public interest.
The Works Minister then pledged to provide necessary support to reinforce the authority's role in restoring public confidence in this vital sector, citing the broad economic, environmental, health, and social benefits of public transport.
Meanwhile, the media office of the Minister of Culture emphasized that the visit reaffirmed the shared commitment to preserving and revitalizing the historic Mar Mikhael station, a symbol of Beirut's cultural and architectural heritage. It also highlighted Italy's leading role in supporting this ambitious initiative through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, reflecting the country's enduring commitment to safeguarding Lebanon's cultural legacy.
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