Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) has signed an agreement with the domestic manufacturer, Kryukov Railway Car Building Works (KVBZ), for the procurement of new passenger railcars featuring innovative technical and layout solutions.
Under the contract KVBZ will deliver 100 passenger railcars ordered this year under the relevant state budget programme. As part of the overall order, a pilot batch of five next-generation railcars will feature advanced control systems, an almost 80% increase in service life, and greater capacity – of up to 44 passengers per compartment carriage, a 10% increase over standard carriages.
KVBZ will deliver the new railcars within the next 2.5 years.
Among the 100 contracted units, five units will be next-generation compartment carriages with the option to convert into first-class layouts. One carriage will be fully inclusive, equipped with an electric lift, a ramp for high platforms, and an enlarged compartment for wheelchair users.
The cost of one standard passenger railcar is approximately UAH 95 million (EUR 2.3 million), while the inclusive carriage is priced at UAH 98.3 million (EUR 23.5 million). However, when calculated per passenger seat and taking into account the 80% extension of the service life and longer maintenance intervals, the new passenger railcars proves more economical and efficient than the purchase of standard models.
The newly contracted batch will include railcars with a service life extended by 20 years, longer intervals between overhauls, and reduced staffing and maintenance requirements.
“This marks the third large-scale procurement of new passenger railcars by Ukrzaliznytsia since 2021, financed by the state budget. Including this latest contract, the company will receive 266 new passenger carriages in total, a major renewal of its rolling stock,” the Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, who is actively implementing the “Made in Ukraine” policy.
The construction of these Ukrainian-made carriages involves 166 manufacturing companies from across the country, including enterprises that relocated from occupied territories and those still operating near the front line.
The new carriages will feature a wider body and redesigned interiors, including sleeping berths extended to 2.2 metres. For the first time in Ukraine, sleeping carriages will be equipped with pneumatic suspension, ensuring a smoother ride and reducing vibration during travel. Automatic sliding doors and level, sealed gangway connections between coaches will further enhance passenger comfort.
This model will also see the replacement of coal heating with fully electric systems, offering advanced individual climate control in every compartment. The upgraded system will function reliably even during extended stops or low-speed travel.
Thanks to stainless steel construction, the service life of these carriages will reach 50 years—20 years more than the standard carriages currently used by Ukrzaliznytsia.
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