Swietelsky AG has taken delivery of its first Vectron Dual Mode locomotive from Siemens Mobility, with four additional units now ordered to expand its rail construction and logistics capacity across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
The first locomotive is already approved for operation in Germany and will be certified for the Austrian network in 2025. A second unit with similar approvals is due next year. Under an existing framework agreement, Swietelsky has now ordered four more locomotives—three of which will be certified for cross-border operation in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
The new order will bring Swietelsky’s Vectron Dual Mode fleet to a total of six. The first of the newly ordered units is scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
According to the company, the hybrid capability of the Vectron Dual Mode, which features both electric and 2,400 kW diesel power, will allow for greater operational flexibility on both electrified and non-electrified rail segments. This is seen as critical to supporting efficient and environmentally sustainable infrastructure work in the region.
“Rail construction is one of the company’s most important strategic growth areas—both for us and for future-oriented, eco-friendly mobility across Europe. Alongside our expert teams, a state-of-the-art equipment fleet is key to continued success. The Vectron Dual Mode locomotives will help us deliver even the most demanding projects efficiently and with minimal environmental impact,” Peter Krammer, CEO and COO Railway Construction at Swietelsky AG, said.
“The modern Vectron Dual Mode offers maximum flexibility in cross-border rail transport. As a hybrid locomotive, it combines the advantages of full diesel and electric power, operating at full capacity even where overhead lines are not available. We’re uniting economy and sustainability, helping Europe grow together via green transport,” Tanja Kienegger, CEO of Siemens Mobility Austria, commented.
The Vectron Dual Mode uses electrical power where available, switching automatically to diesel only on non-electrified sections—thus helping reduce CO₂ emissions from small electrification gaps, which are common in both Austria and Eastern Europe. The diesel engine includes an advanced exhaust gas recirculation system that removes the need for urea injection in emissions control.
Swietelsky also expects significant operational and cost benefits from a more unified locomotive fleet. Modular components such as the driver’s cab, braking system and control technology allow for standardised operation, training, and maintenance, leading to lower life-cycle costs.
The recent approval of the Vectron Dual Mode for international corridors through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria is described by the company as a “game changer”, eliminating time-consuming and costly locomotive changes at borders and expanding the locomotives’ deployment potential throughout the CEE region.
Share on:
