Russia: As noted by the manufacturer, 497 electric locomotive sections of different models were supplied to Russian Railways (RZD).
In its turn, the operator has previously reported about 191 ES5K Yermak electric locomotives varied in a number of sections (the 2ES5K, the 3ES5K, and the 4ES5K), 12 passenger electric locomotives EP1M and two electric locomotives 3ES5S, purchased from the Novocherkassk plant in 2024.
For the commercial market, the TMH plant in Novocherkassk has produced the traction unit NP1 and three industrial electric locomotives NPM2M. In 2023, the plant’s customers reportedly received a total of 508 sections (183 locomotives).
As for the order for 2025, it has not been commented by the manufacturer’s representatives. However, Russian Railways has announced cutbacks in locomotive procurements, with the target figure of 400 vehicles in comparison with 549 planned for the previous year. However, a possible grant from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently discussed. It will possibly fund an additional procurement of locomotives. In January, TMH General Director Kirill Lipa stated that this grant would be allocated to increase an order for the TMH plant in Novocherkassk, among others.
Meanwhile, RZD’s demand for AC freight electric locomotives, which are mainly produced in Novocherkassk, is considerably higher than Russian plants may provide. As estimated by the operator, over 1,500 locomotives, or 140 locomotives annually, need to be manufactured, and this number exceeds the plants’ production capacities. In this light, the TMH plant in Novocherkassk is developing a project on increasing its output from 550 to 750 sections per year. But the project implementation mainly depends on long-term contracts that should be concluded between Russian Railways and rolling stock manufacturers. The corresponding proposals ought to be prepared and sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin by 15 February.
