UZ is Developing Projects to Upgrade its Locomotive Fleet

Ukraine’s state-owned enterprise “Ukrzaliznytsia” (UZ) is working on projects to modernize its locomotive fleet, as reported by the railway portal Railway Supply

UZ Chairman of the Board, discussed this in an interview with “Interfax-Ukraine.”

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According to the head of UZ, there is a need for new locomotives. He stated, “First of all, we will increase the volume of deals for the major overhaul at our own plants. The second part is that we have already developed several programs for modernization and are working on their implementation. Currently, our technical team is meeting with various companies in Europe. There are already clear projects for the modernization of shunting locomotives ChME3, mainline diesel locomotives 2TE10M, and 2M62. These can also be joint projects with major European companies.”

The company is also continuing negotiations for the acquisition of new locomotives. Currently, they are in dialogue with General Electric, and preliminary work with Alstom regarding their electric locomotives is ongoing.

Additionally, UZ plans to expand the Intercity high-speed train network. “This concerns cooperation with KoRail and Hyundai. We have been working with Hyundai for over 10 years; they are interested in supplying us with additional Hyundai trains, and this is quite a good story. These high-speed trains have proven themselves well. We have a base for their maintenance and repair. In any case, until we clarify the financial and commercial nuances, I cannot say that this is already a resolved issue. But the direction of cooperation with Hyundai, especially within the framework of intergovernmental support programs, the resumption of negotiations on new terms with Alstom, and working with General Electric – all of this we are currently working on,” emphasized the chairman of the UZ board.

The question of financing these initiatives was also addressed. “If we are talking about Hyundai, then it should be 100% due to the support programs of the South Korean government. With Alstom, we are discussing the possibility of special financial support from the French government,” the head of UZ clarified.

As reported earlier, UZ is considering proposals to purchase locomotives from three different countries.

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