Ukrzaliznytsia's New Coaches: A Leap Towards Modernization and Passenger Comfort
In 2025, "Ukrzaliznytsia" is set to contract 100 new coaches, including a pilot batch of 5 next-generation units, laying the groundwork for future expansion.
This information was shared by the company’s press service.
The current rolling stock relies on 1970s technology with coal heating and air conditioning that only operates while in motion, resulting in significantly higher operational costs due to the need for two conductors per coach, making it overall obsolete.
Ukrzaliznytsia emphasizes that the batch of 5 new coaches equipped with modern management systems will require fewer staff, have an 80% longer service life, and accommodate more passengers – up to 44 in a single sleeper coach.
The new coaches will feature an enlarged body width and improved layout, allowing for sleeping space lengths of up to 2.2 meters. They will be equipped with pneumatic suspension, ensuring smoother rides and reducing coach sway during travel, as reported by the carrier.
Additionally, the coaches will have automatic sliding doors and airtight inter-coach passages level with the floor. Oversight of all coach systems will be managed from the conductor’s compartment.
According to Ukrzaliznytsia, these coaches will transition from coal heating to fully electric systems with advanced individual temperature control in each compartment. The modern system will allow for climate control even during long stops of the train.
The 5 new passenger coaches will be sleeper coaches convertible to SV type. One of the coaches will be inclusive, featuring an electric lift, ramp for high platforms, and expanded compartments for passengers traveling in wheelchairs.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, passengers in these coaches will enjoy:
- USB and type-c charging ports and wireless smartphone charging;
- A movable table for the upper berths;
- An additional washbasin in the coach corridor.
The expected service life of these coaches is 50 years, thanks to stainless steel body construction. This is 20 years longer than standard coaches of Ukrzaliznytsia.
According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the estimated cost of purchasing one coach will be 95.6 million UAH, which is lower than similar purchases by European railway companies. The cost of servicing one passenger seat in such a coach remains nearly unchanged, considering the number of seats available.
The delivery timeline for the coaches is set at 2.5 years from the receipt of the advance payment for their production.
