Wabtec Corporation has announced the largest locomotive order in its history, signing a USD 4.2 billion agreement with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s national railway operator.
The multi-year contract covers the supply of Evolution Series locomotives along with long-term service and maintenance support. The deal strengthens Wabtec’s two-decade partnership with KTZ and consolidates Kazakhstan’s role as a strategic hub for rail transport between Europe and Asia.
Strengthening a long-term partnership
“For over two decades, our partnership with KTZ has been critical in transforming Kazakhstan’s rail industry,” said Rafael Santana, President and CEO of Wabtec. “This historic agreement embodies KTZ’s visionary approach for the country’s rail network as the primary link between Europe and Asia. By delivering advanced locomotives and long-term service solutions, Wabtec is a proud partner in Kazakhstan’s progress.”
Kazakhstan has long been a regional centre of excellence for Wabtec, with joint initiatives contributing to engineering skills and domestic railway technology development. The new contract further expands that collaboration, providing both new locomotives and maintenance solutions tailored to maximise fleet performance.
Advanced technology for challenging terrain
The next generation of Evolution Series locomotives is designed to withstand Kazakhstan’s harsh weather conditions and mountainous landscapes. The fleet will deliver improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance cycles, and enhanced reliability.
Alongside new rolling stock, the deal includes a comprehensive maintenance services agreement covering both new and existing KTZ locomotives. These services aim to improve availability and optimise operating costs across the fleet.
Supporting Kazakhstan’s strategic role
Kazakhstan’s position on the Eurasian continent makes it a vital transit corridor for freight between Europe and Asia. The agreement is expected to support KTZ’s rail expansion and fleet renewal programme, ensuring the railway can accommodate increasing international traffic.
“Kazakhstan plays a key role in realising the transit potential of the Eurasian continent,” said Talgat Aldybergenov, CEO of KTZ. “This new agreement confirms our commitment to advanced technologies in the transport sector and will also make a significant contribution to the development of industry and railway engineering in Kazakhstan.”
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