RUSSIAN Railways (RZD) has reached an agreement with Sinara Transport Machines (STM) for the supply of 200 2TE35A two-section diesel locomotives for mainline operation.
Ural Locomotives will build the 16-axle diesel units, with trial operation of the first two units set to begin in 2022. STM says the 2TE35A is a completely new locomotive for which virtually every component has been developed from scratch in cooperation with a range of Russian suppliers.
The locomotives will be equipped with two 16DM-185T diesel engines each with a 3.65MW output that meet EU Stage IIIA emissions standards. Production of the engines will take place at the Ural Diesel Engine Plant, which is part of STM. The locomotives are also fitted with TAD430 asynchronous traction drive units, which are manufactured by Traction Components, another STM subsidiary. The locomotives will be capable of hauling trains of up to 7100 tonnes.
The locomotives will be deployed by RZD on the Far East and East Siberian Railways with delivery set to take place up to 2031. STM will provide associated maintenance and repair during the locomotive’s lifecycle.
STM Research Centre developed the locomotives according to specifications provided by RZD and the units meet the company’s objective to develop products that offer improved traction characteristics and increase the interval between overhauls.
“The procurement by RZD of the unique 2TE35A diesel locomotives is an important step in the development of domestic railway engineering,” says Mr Anton Zubikhin, STM deputy general director for sales and general Director of STM Trading House. “We are entering into a new sphere of business - the market of mainline diesel locomotive building, and our strategic partner, RZD, will receive a reliable and modern solution, which, among other things, will help to increase capacity in the Eastern region.
“I would like to emphasise that this locomotive has a serious sales potential in the 1520mm gauge market, and its power units comply with the most advanced international standards and environmental criteria.”
The announcement of the significant order for diesel locomotives follows RZD’s pronouncement earlier this week that it will cease the procurement of diesel in favour of electric and alternative traction in 2025.
For detailed data on fleet orders from around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
