Kazakhstan signed a huge contract for the supply of sleeping cars

Kazakh Railways (KTZ) and Stadler signed a contract for the supply of 537 sleeping cars, as well as a contract for their maintenance for a period of 20 years. It is reported by Railway Supply magazine with reference to Nakolei.

The contract value is almost 2.3 billion euros. The cars must be adapted for operation in extreme conditions from -50 to 45°C. The order must be completed by 2030. Interestingly, Stadler will also acquire a local factory in Astana, which has about 100 employees.

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The supply contract covers four types of modern sleeping cars: 234 sleeping cars with 40 seats each; 233 sleeping cars with 58 seats each; 35 passenger cars with 18 seats each for staff and people with limited mobility; and 35 passenger cars with a generator section. The new rolling stock will be used around the clock on electrified and non-electrified sections of domestic and international passenger lines. The gauge is 1520 mm and the trains can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. A standard train consists of at least fifteen cars. The trains will be able to operate in the temperature range from -50 to 45°C.

The gradual transfer of technology, the training of local staff at other Stadler plants, as well as cooperation with local suppliers and technical universities are the basis of Stadler’s international cooperation with Kazakh Railways. Delivery of all wagons will take place by 2030, and there is a possibility of additional orders to continue the modernization of the KTZ rolling stock.

The contract is the result of a strategic partnership agreement signed at the end of 2021. The contract also provides for the transfer of technology from Switzerland to Kazakhstan.

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