The European Investment Bank approved a EUR 22 million loan to MÁV-Start for the procurement of new electric multiple units that will replace the rolling stock currently used in suburban and regional passenger railway services.
EUR 157 million is the total value of the project which envisages the procurement of 25 EMUs.
In 2017, MÁV and Stadler signed a framework agreement for the delivery of up to 40 six-car double-deck Kiss EMU, which can be exercised in the form of different delivery contracts in the following 8 years. The initial order comprises 10 trains valuated at EUR 195 million. It includes training and spare parts supply.
In July 2019, the first Kiss train for MÁV rolled out in Dunakeszi, Hungary and entered the necessary type tests required for commercial operation. In August, dynamic tests were started at Velim center in the Czech Republic.
The 10 EMUs will start the commercial service from February 2020 on the suburban railway lines of the capital Budapest to Vác and Cegléd. At the beginning of 2021 8 double-decker trains are expected to arrive, by which these suburban lines will be served completely by modern electric trains.
The 155.88-meter-long trains consist of six coaches with a total capacity for 600 people which is 50% more passengers compared to a single-deck unit with the same length.
The new trains will be equipped with ETCS Level and are able to run at speeds of 160 km/h.
The new trains will also be compatible with the existing 123 Flirt EMUs delivered to MÁV-Start.
Until now, MÁV has ordered altogether 19 units from the available 40 trains.
Share on:
