The Austrian railway infrastructure company ÖBB-Infrastruktur, in collaboration with the manufacturer Stadler, has unveiled an innovative next-generation fire and rescue train, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Innovative Next-Generation Fire and Rescue Train
Photo: ÖBB

This multifunctional train is capable not only of extinguishing fires and evacuating passengers but also of conducting maintenance on railway infrastructure.

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In December 2020, ÖBB-Infrastruktur signed a contract with Stadler for the delivery of 18 hybrid-powered fire and rescue trains, with a total contract value of approximately 230 million euros.

Initially, it was planned to order up to 20 such trains for around 240 million euros, but the number of ordered trains was reduced due to the expansion of their functional capabilities.

The first trains will operate on the Koralmbahn railway line, which includes a 33-kilometer base tunnel, and then begin to serve other sections of the ÖBB network.

These trains are designed for extinguishing fires, evacuating up to 300 passengers, and transporting damaged trains weighing up to 2000 tons, as well as supplying them with electricity.

The three-car trains can be powered both by the overhead line and by traction batteries with a capacity of 280 kWh.

Additionally, the train includes two diesel generator units with a total power of 1060 hp, used as a backup power source. The maximum speed of the trains is 160 km/h.

The trains are equipped for rapid and effective firefighting. The intermediate car houses a 40 m³ water tank.

The motor end cars feature high-pressure (100 bar) and low-pressure (10 bar) water cannons, as well as connectors for firefighting hoses.

The trains are equipped with an air filtration system and four steel fans on the roofs of the cars.

Infrared cameras help quickly detect people in smoke-filled conditions.

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There is also the capability to load containers with equipment for fighting forest fires.

Special attention is paid to the safety and comfort of the crew. The trains have a continuous passageway along the entire length of the train, allowing the driver to quickly move to the second control cabin and change direction if necessary.

Currently, the first fire and rescue train is undergoing functional testing, with its certification procedure set to begin later in 2024.

This innovative project is an important step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of Austria’s railway infrastructure, demonstrating high standards and advanced technologies in the field of railway transport.

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