Russia: The details were revealed in an interview with Kommersant.
According to Aleksandr Kireytsev, Director General of the Engineering Centre of Railway Transport, and Aleksandr Misharin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sinara – Transport Machines (STM), the manufacturers of all key components have been selected and have confirmed that these can be manufactured.
Russian Railways emphasises that the train developers are committed to using as many Russian-made components as possible in the train, with the goal of surpassing foreign analogues in traction, energy, and climatic parameters. “The possibility of purchasing some components in friendly countries is also being considered”, as noted Mr. Kireytsev.
He has mentioned that the technical specifications for 40 systems and components have already been approved and submitted for work, while the approval of the documentation for 27 more items is 92% complete. As the design documentation for the bogie frame has passed these stages, its production and testing and can commence, as Mr. Kireytsev explains.
As previously announced, Ural Locomotives, part of STM, will be responsible for the construction of this high-speed train. According to Aleksandr Misharin, STM will produce car bodies, traction converters, gearboxes, transformers, bogies, and, in cooperation with RED, traction motors. Another major Russian manufacturer, TMH, will provide brake discs, WC modules, inter-car gangways, interior elements, and air-conditioning systems for the project, which are now produced by TMH’s primary supplier, Key Systems and Components Group.
Mr. Kireytsev confirmed the information, which ROLLINGSTOCK had received from the Russian Railways research institute NIIAS: the train will be equipped with computer vision, remote control systems, interval train control systems and digital radio-based train control, ensuring GoA3 operation. Furthermore, as the Engineering Centre of Railway Transport’s head highlighted, the equipment allows for totally unmanned GoA4 operation.
Sinara Group previously communicated that the technical design of the train would be ready by the end of the year, followed by the design documentation package for its assembly. The trains are expected to commence commercial operation in 2028.
Last week, the Russian government approved an order to start construction of the Moscow–Saint Petersburg high-speed railway under a concession agreement. In April, Russian Railways placed an order for the first two trains. According to Mr. Misharin, negotiations are underway for the lease of a further 41 trains. The State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) has previously been announced as the customer. The company has informed investors that it will be financing production of the trains.
Russian Railways estimates that all the high-speed lines will require more than 290 high-speed trains. With eight cars per train, this represents an order of over 2,300 cars.
