Innovative New Carriages by Ukrzaliznytsia
In 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia plans to contract 100 new carriages, including a pilot batch of 5 next-generation units for future scaling.
This information was reported by the company's press service.
The existing rolling stock is based on 1970s technology, utilizing coal heating and air conditioning that only works in motion, leading to increased operational costs (typically requiring two conductors per carriage) and is generally outdated.
According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the batch of 5 new carriages featuring modern management systems will require fewer service personnel, have an operational lifespan increased by nearly 80%, and accommodate up to 44 passengers in one compartment carriage.
The new carriages will feature an increased body width and improved layout, allowing for a bed length of up to 2.2 meters. They will be equipped with pneumatic suspension to ensure additional smoothness and reduce swaying during travel, as reported by the carrier.
Furthermore, the carriages will have automatic sliding doors and airtight inter-car connections at floor level. Control of all carriage systems will be managed from the train manager's compartment.
According to Ukrzaliznytsia, these carriages will transition from coal heating to fully electric heating with enhanced individual temperature control in each compartment. The modern system will allow climate control to be used even during long stops of the train.
The 5 new passenger carriages will be compartment-style with the option to transform into SV-type carriages. One carriage will be inclusive, equipped with an electric lift, a ramp for high platforms, and a larger compartment for passengers with disabilities in wheelchairs.
In addition to the aforementioned advantages, passengers in these carriages will receive:
- USB and type-c sockets, along with wireless charging for smartphones;
- a movable table for the upper shelves;
- an additional washbasin in the carriage corridor.
It is noted that the operational lifespan of these carriages will be 50 years due to the use of stainless steel for their bodies. This is 20 years longer than the standard carriages of Ukrzaliznytsia.
According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the expected cost of purchasing one carriage will be 95 million 600 thousand hryvnias, which is lower than the prices of similar carriages from European railway companies. The cost of servicing one passenger seat in such a carriage over its lifespan remains almost unchanged, considering the number of seats in the carriage.
The delivery period for the carriages will be 2.5 years from the moment the manufacturer receives an advance payment for their production.
