CAF has signed a contract to supply 30 commuter trains to the state-owned railway company Srbijavoz, the operator that manages both long-distance and international transport in Serbia, as well as commuter services in the country’s major cities.
The contract, which also includes full maintenance of the trains for a period of two years, exceeds EUR 300 million.
The trains will operate on the BG Voz network in Belgrade
The new units will enter service on the BG Voz suburban network in Belgrade, marking the second railway contract secured by CAF in Serbia, following the one awarded in 2009 for the design and manufacture of 30 trams also destined for the Serbian capital, vehicles currently in commercial service.
The trains now ordered are electric multiple units (EMUs) based on CAF’s Civity platform for suburban and regional trains.
Three-car trains with bicycle storage
Each unit will consist of three cars and will have a total capacity of 546 passengers, of which 204 will be seated.
The interior will include six multifunctional areas, with space for up to 18 bicycles, the configuration being adapted to the operational requirements of the operator Srbijavoz.
According to the manufacturer, the trains are modular units, made of aluminum, and are designed for a speed of up to 120 km/h.
Designed for intensive suburban service
CAF notes that the development of these trains is based on experience gained in delivering similar multiple units to numerous international operators, with an emphasis on comfort, safety, and operational efficiency.
Each car will have two bogies, a solution that facilitates maintenance and ensures better performance in terms of acceleration and deceleration between the frequent stops typical of an urban and suburban system, an important aspect for maintaining good service frequencies.
Belgrade is modernizing its suburban network
The BG Voz network serves Belgrade and the area surrounding the capital, connecting the city center with the suburbs via the Ovča, Batajnica, and Resnik terminals, as well as with more distant areas such as Mladenovac and Lazarevac, south of the city.
The system is operated by the public company JKP Beogradski metro i voz and has 35 stations, organized into four main lines and three complementary lines.
The network provides connections to the city’s main intermodal hubs, where other forms of public transport also operate, such as trams, buses, and trolleybuses.
Part of the transport modernization plan for the Serbian capital
Belgrade, which has nearly 1.8 million residents in its metropolitan area, is part of a comprehensive modernization program known as the Belgrade General Urban Transport Plan.
This plan includes, among other things, the construction of new metro lines, the expansion of the BG Voz suburban network, and the renewal of the train fleet.
The new CAF multiple units will be used specifically for this suburban network and will replace the old rolling stock, which is nearing the end of its service life.
According to the company, the introduction of the new fleet is expected to bring better service quality, fewer incidents, and greater train availability.
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