Ukrainian Railways renews its fleet through a partnership with Alstom

Ukrainian Railways has signed an agreement for the delivery of 55 electric locomotives from Alstom— a move that, according to company officials, helps refresh its aging fleet and maintain logistical stability amid rising transport demands.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Ukrainian Railways strengthens its modernization effort through cooperation with Alstom

Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) announced a new stage of technical renewal, and the contract with Alstom — covered in detail by the trade outlet Rail.insider — effectively responds to the long-standing issue of a heavily worn locomotive fleet.

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During a joint press conference in Paris, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the agreement and emphasized that the purchase is not just equipment acquisition but an investment in the stability of the national transport system. As company officials noted, locomotive wear has nearly reached a critical limit — “we can see the cliff ahead of us,” as one planner put it.

With an average locomotive age exceeding 46 years, the scale of the challenge becomes clear. Because of this, the company risked losing part of its freight capacity, making fleet renewal urgent.

Ukrainian Railways says the modernization will reduce operating costs by more than 30 %, while allowing the retirement of roughly 80 outdated locomotives that have exhausted their service life.

The contract includes not only the delivery of locomotives but also service support, staff training, and a full testing cycle once the first unit arrives in 2027. Deliveries will continue through 2029, giving the company a rare ability to plan several years ahead. In practical terms, this creates much-needed predictability for the entire rail sector.

Ukrainian Railways opens opportunities for manufacturers and strengthens its service base

Although the locomotives will be produced in France, the contract goes far beyond procurement — Ukrainian Railways sees it as a chance for domestic manufacturers to participate. Several companies are preparing to supply components such as safety systems, communications equipment, brake pads, and wheelsets.

The potential for localization in projects of this type was previously examined by the rail industry publication Railway Supply. A broad coordination meeting between Alstom, Ukrzaliznytsia, and local suppliers is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 to determine the future production chain.

Under the contract, Ukrainian Railways also plans to open a modern service center at one of its facilities, enabling in-country maintenance for the new locomotives. The company is preparing training programs for drivers and maintenance crews, since working with the new equipment requires different competencies.

UZ also stresses that fleet renewal is part of a broader strategy designed to keep freight and passenger flows stable even under constant external pressure.

Ultimately, the agreement with Alstom reflects Ukrainian Railways’ intention to build a long-term development model supported by international financial institutions. Among them is the EBRD, which contributes to locomotive renewal through dedicated credit programs.

The company believes that investing in rolling stock strengthens the country’s transport resilience and creates new opportunities for local industry.

Ukrzaliznytsia continues expanding its modernization projects, and cooperation with international partners provides the technological and financial foundation for future upgrades.

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