UKRAINE: National railway Ukrzaliznytsia is planning to order a new generation of coaches offering greater comfort, longer intervals between overhauls and a 20-year longer service life than its existing vehicles, while requiring fewer maintenance and operating staff.
These would replace vehicles based on obsolete 1970s technology such as coal-fuelled heating, air-conditioning which only fully functions when the train is moving and a need for two staff per coach.
On July 8, Ukrzaliznytsia said it has faced a critical shortage of coaches since Russia’s full-scale invasion, and so medical, military and children’s transport is being prioritised.
It is continuing to buy new rolling stock, and expects to order 100 coaches in 2025, including a batch of five new-generation compartment coaches as a pilot for future orders which would be placed subject to government funding.
These new stainless steel coaches would have an increased body width and an improved layout, making it possible to increase the length of a berth to 2·2 m. Passengers facilities would include USB and wireless charging points, tables for the upper berths and additional washbasin in the corridor.
Air suspension would provide a smoother ride. All onboard systems could be controlled from one compartment at the head of the train.
One of the five cars will have a ramp and electric lift for wheelchair users, and an enlarged compartment for passengers with redued mobility.
The cost of a car is estimated at 95·6m hryvnia, less than similar coaches from western European suppliers, and delivery is expected within 2½ years from the order being confirmed.
