Despite the war, Ukraine is continuing its programme to modernise its passenger rolling stock through the purchase of new railcars.
The national operator Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ) and the Kriukiv Carriage Works (KVBZ) have signed a contract for the supply of a further 92 new passenger railcars manufactured in Ukraine, in an effort to increase the resilience of rail transport and gradually replace ageing rolling stock.
The contract for the delivery of the new passenger railcars was signed by Maksym Kramarenko, director of KVBZ, and Oleh Holovashchenko, director of Ukrzaliznytsia’s ‘Passenger Company’ subsidiary. Representatives and specialists from both companies were involved in the process of preparing and signing the contract.
In the current context, this investment represents not only an improvement in passenger comfort but also a strategic measure to maintain the operational capability of the railway system. This is because Russia’s attacks continue to target rolling stock and railway infrastructure.
At the same time, a significant proportion of the existing fleet is nearing the end of its normal service life. Ukrzaliznytsia states that the renewal of railcars is one of its main priorities for ensuring safe and reliable rail services.
92 new railcars for passenger rail transport
The contract provides for the manufacture of 92 railcars, of which:
- 83 railcars with compartments, which can be used in both standard couchette configuration and SV format (compartments with two sleeping berths);
- 9 modern accessible railcars, equipped with compartments adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.
Deliveries are scheduled for 2027–2028, and production will largely involve Ukrainian companies that supply components and equipment for the railway industry.
The project therefore also has a significant economic component, by supporting domestic production, safeguarding jobs and developing the local rolling stock industry. Each new order contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s railway industrial chain.
In 2026, Ukrzaliznytsia had already received 21 new domestically manufactured passenger railcars, the production of which involved 166 Ukrainian companies. Under the national modernisation programme, a total of 358 new passenger railcars have been contracted, of which 187 are already in use on commercial passenger services.
However, the need for modernisation remains high. The average age of the passenger railcar fleet currently exceeds 35 years, which necessitates continued investment in new rolling stock.
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