CZECH Railways (ČD) has awarded CZ Loko a Koruna 684m ($US 32.1m) contract to modernise 14 four-axle single-cab class 742 diesel locomotives. The modernisation is part of CD’s 2030 strategy.

The diesel-electric locomotives will be upgraded to CZ Loko’s Effishunter 1000M locomotives and reclassified as class 742.71. The modernised units will be prepared for ETCS, which is being introduced on the Czech network.

The units will also be equipped with a new 1MW diesel engine, reducing energy consumption and improving reliability, along with a remote conditioning monitoring and diagnostic systems. The maximum speed will be increased to 100km/h.

The class 742 was manufactured by ČKD for Czechoslovak State Railways (ČSD) between 1977 and 1986.

The refurbished locomotive will feature a lower hood than the original version and a new, modern cab. The bogies and locomotive frame will also be overhauled. A new authorisation to place into service will be required for the new locomotives.

The first overhauled locomotive will be delivered in February 2023, with the full project completed at the end of 2024.