The Ukrainian Railways joint-stock company (JSC Ukrzaliznytsia) has signed a contract with PJSC Kriukiv Railcar Building Works (KVSZ) for the purchase of five new-generation passenger railcars, featuring innovative technical and layout solutions, designed within the T-gauge dimensional standard.
Ukrzaliznytsia announced this in a 22 July statement, noting that a total of 100 passenger railcars have been ordered this year under the relevant budget program, the CFTS portal reports.
Ukrzaliznytsia described the first batch of five railcars as a pilot batch. Delivery of the rolling stock is scheduled to take place over 2.5 years after the manufacturer receives prepayment.
According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the new railcars will be able to last 20 years longer, have extended overhaul intervals, and require fewer maintenance and service personnel to operate.
In addition, each railcar can accommodate more passengers, with up to 44 passengers per compartment car, which is 10% more than the maximum number in standard railcars.
As the CFTS portal also reported, the new railcars will have an increased body width and an improved interior layout, with berth lengths extended to 2.2 meters. Sleeper cars will offer a smoother ride and minimize vibration during travel thanks to pneumatic suspension systems, which will be installed on Ukrainian railcars for the first time. Automatic sliding doors and floor-level, sealed inter-car gangways will make these cars more comfortable for passengers.
These railcars will transition from coal-powered heating systems to fully electric heating systems with upgraded, individual temperature controls in each compartment. This modern system ensures that climate control remains functional even during extended train stops and on low-speed sections of the railway.
Five new-generation passenger railcars, which are being ordered as part of the total contract volume of 100 railcars, will be compartment-type railcars that can be converted into first-class (SV-type) railcars. One of these railcars will be equipped with an electric lift, a ramp for high platforms, and an enlarged compartment for passengers traveling in wheelchairs.
The cost of a passenger car is about UAH 95 million. The cost of a railcar with a compartment for transporting passengers with disabilities is UAH 98.3 million.
