Ukrainian Railways, Ukrzaliznytsia, has launched a tender for the supply of 44 Night Express railcars, part of its plans to upgrade its rolling stock. UAH 1.95 billion (EUR 49.5 million) is the estimated value of the contract which is sheduled to be signed by the end of 2025.
Ukrzaliznytsia says that with the new vehicles will form up to three trains of the Night Express class which will include 20 compartment coaches, nine first class (SV) units, and three railcars intended to transport passengers with reduced mobility. The Ukrainian rail operator will also purchase nine coaches in reserve, with three per train. As a result of the tender, each train will be made by 6-7 compartment coaches, three first class railcars and a unit equipped for passengers with disabilities.
The new passenger cars will be equipped with sockets and USB ports for fast charging gadgets, information screens, coffee makers and with vacuum toilets and baby changing tables.
The carriages designed for passengers with disabilities will be equipped with lifting platforms for comfortable boarding of passengers in wheelchairs. In addition, the doors of passenger compartments in compartment cars and first class cars will be equipped with an alarm system and a door lock button for greater safety of passengers, and a video surveillance system will be also installed.
The new reserved carriages will be purchased for the first time since 2008.
Usually, Night Express trains were only formed by first class and coupe railcars, “but in the updated format, the railcars in reserve have been also added to expand the possibilities of transport in the most socially significant segment,” the company says.
The procurement of the new Night Express railcars is funded from the state budget. In September 2023, the Ukrainian Government adopted changes to the procedure for the use of budget funds under the passenger rolling stock renewal programme. These changes are reflected in the terms of the tender in order to attract manufacturers and ensure all conditions for effective procurement.
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