Ukrainian Railways has recently secured a deal with Alstom for the acquisition of 55 Traxx Hauler dual-voltage locomotives. This agreement, which was finalized in a ceremony in Paris attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marks a significant milestone for the railway industry in Ukraine.
The procurement of these locomotives has been made possible through a funding package that includes a €300m loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and an investment grant of up to $190m from the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund, managed by the World Bank. The EBRD has already provided an advance payment of approximately €120m to expedite the project implementation.
The delivery of these modern freight locomotives is crucial for Ukrainian Railways, as it will enable the company to renew its aging fleet and continue to provide essential cargo and passenger services amidst ongoing conflict. The CEO of Ukrainian Railways, Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, emphasized the importance of this strategic agreement in addressing the critical issue of outdated traction fleet and investing in the economic security and sustainability of the logistics sector.
Alstom will be responsible for designing and manufacturing the locomotives at its facility in Belfort, France, with deliveries set to commence in 2027. The contract also includes provisions for training drivers and maintenance personnel, as well as the supply of spare parts. These dual-voltage locomotives are designed to operate on both 3kV DC and 25kV AC traction systems, with a power output ranging between 7.2MW and 9.4MW and a maximum speed of 120km/h.
Each locomotive features four bogies arranged in a twin Bo-Bo configuration, with each axle powered by an independent traction motor. Additionally, the units will incorporate Ukrainian-made security systems and radio equipment to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge highlighted the significance of this contract in supporting the modernization of rail transport in Ukraine. He expressed pride in delivering locomotives that are tailored to meet the country’s infrastructure needs while ensuring high performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.
The partnership between Ukrainian Railways and Alstom comes at a crucial time, as the country continues to navigate challenges posed by conflict and economic instability. The support from international partners such as the EBRD and the World Bank underscores the significance of this project in contributing to Ukraine’s resilience and economic development through sustainable mobility solutions.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Ukrainian Railways and Alstom represents a significant step forward in the modernization of the country’s railway industry. With a focus on improving operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability, this partnership is poised to make a positive impact on the transportation sector in Ukraine.
