"Ukrzaliznytsia" plans to bring in up to 60 used locomotives over the next six months to replenish its fleet, which is suffering significant losses due to systematic Russian attacks. The company expects to use international grant funding for the purchase.
This was reported by Deputy Minister for Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine Volodymyr Shemaiev during the VIII International Conference "Production, Operation and Repair of Rolling Stock", writes the Center for Transport Strategies.
A $100 million grant from the World Bank under the RELINC project is being considered for the purchase of used locomotives. According to Shemaiev, the equipment can be purchased both abroad and on the domestic market.
The final number of locomotives will depend on their cost and technical condition. So far, these are plans, not already concluded contracts for the supply of all 60 machines.
In parallel, "Ukrzaliznytsia" is considering other ways to overcome the shortage of traction rolling stock. Among them are restoring locomotives from the reserve, accelerating repairs, leasing equipment from private companies and receiving locomotives from international partners.
By the end of 2026, it is also planned to allocate UAH 542 million for the repair of damaged locomotives. Restoration of existing equipment is considered one of the fastest ways to support transportation, as the purchase of new machines requires much more time.
The need for urgent fleet replenishment is linked to the increase in Russian attacks on railway infrastructure and rolling stock.
According to Politico, published in September, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion Russia has damaged or destroyed over 500 Ukrainian locomotives. More than 60% of these cases occurred in the eight months before the publication.
The publication, citing the head of the board of "Ukrzaliznytsia" Oleksandr Pertsovskyi, reported that recently Russian strikes put out of service about 37-40 locomotives each month. Some of the damaged equipment can be returned to service after repair, but some machines are beyond repair.
According to more recent information from the Ministry of Restoration, as of October 23 the total number of damaged or destroyed locomotives approached 600. Among them are over 300 diesel locomotives.
The situation is complicated by the fact that Russia increasingly uses drones not only against stationary railway infrastructure, but also directly against locomotives and moving trains.
This creates additional risks for passenger transportation and the work of enterprises dependent on rail logistics. Especially important remains ensuring the transportation of grain, metallurgical products and other export cargo to sea ports and border crossings.
Swiftly replacing damaged equipment with locomotives from European countries is also not easy. Ukraine mainly uses a 1520 mm gauge, while in most EU countries the standard is 1435 mm. Therefore, the choice of compatible machines is limited.
One of the first practical results of international cooperation was an agreement with Finland on the free transfer of ten Dv12 diesel locomotives. The corresponding agreement was signed on October 23. Along with the locomotives, Ukraine will receive spare parts for their maintenance.
In addition, other European partners are considering the transfer or sale of additional traction equipment. Ukraine is also continuing the implementation of contracts for the supply of new electric locomotives.
Earlier "Kurs Ukrainy" reported that the Cabinet of Ministers simplified for "Ukrzaliznytsia" the purchase and lease of used locomotives. The temporary procedure allows the company to purchase traction rolling stock without standard tender procedures until March 24, 2027.
Thus, fleet replenishment has become one of the priority tasks for maintaining the stability of Ukrainian transportation amid constant attacks on the railway.
Based on materials from: Center for Transport Strategies, Politico, Ministry of Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine
