The depreciation of Ukrzaliznytsia's assets has "reached almost 100%," including 96% depreciation for locomotives, 89% for freight cars, and 88% for passenger cars.
This was announced by Volodymyr Zhmak, the head of the Ukrainian Railways joint-stock company (Ukrzaliznytsia), the CFTS portal reports.
“The depreciation and wear and tear of assets have already passed the ‘red line.’ Unfortunately, the consequences of this situation are locomotives bursting in flames, the derailing of rolling stock, destruction of infrastructure, and all other issues affecting traffic safety. This is the result of the failure to invest a single kopeck of state money in Ukrzaliznytsia since Ukraine attained independence," Ukrzaliznytsia’s board chairman said.
According to him, 958 electric locomotives and 227 diesel locomotives have reached 96% depreciation; 41,138 freight cars 89% depreciation; 2,040 passenger cars 88% depreciation; 34,000 railway automation and communication devices 68% depreciation. In addition, according to data from Ukrzaliznytsia, railway tracks have reached 34% depreciation and the contact network (9,319 kilometers) 71% depreciation.
The company intends to allocate UAH 350 million for repairs and purchase of freight cars before the end of this year as part of a modernization drive. Zhmak also noted that Ukrzaliznytsia plans to invest UAH 400 million in overhaul of locomotives this year.
