Russia: Sinara – Transport Machines (STM) has presented the first unit of its new-generation PMA-3 tamping, lining and levelling machine, which has been assembled at the Kalugaputmash plant, part of the company.
The machine is undergoing calibration and preparation for certification tests scheduled for this year. Earlier in 2025, STM estimated potential demand from Russian Railways at no fewer than 150 units.
The PMA-3 is designed for track levelling and alignment, ballast compaction beneath and around sleepers, and track stabilisation for all rail types. The machine offers a performance rate of 3,300 sleepers per hour through the simultaneous tamping of three sleepers, a maximum travel speed of 90 km/h, and a crew of just three.
Working organs of the PMA-3 ballast tamper. Source: STM
Key features include continuous working capability, a modular cab design compatible with five other STM track machine models, and advanced digital systems for work‑site readiness assessment, GIS‑based alignment control, and real‑time machine condition monitoring.
PMA-3 ballast tamper form STM. Source: STM
The PMA‑3 development programme was carried out with support from Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade. The new model is intended to replace Dynamic 09‑3X tampers, previously co‑produced in Kaluga by Remputmash and Plasser & Theurer. According to STM executive director Vitaly Vitolevsky, the company expects strong demand across the Russian network as well as “significant export potential”.
ROLLINGSTOCK editor-in-chief Sergey Belov described the project as a landmark for the Russian track maintenance industry: “The creation of this machine is a milestone — essentially the first in a new generation of high-complexity track machines developed by STM. With the PMA‑3, Russia can fully enter the global market for track maintenance equipment. In terms of technical performance, the machine is competitive with those produced by Plasser & Theurer, a leader of the track machine market, while its design already surpasses existing models, setting a new benchmark in this traditionally conservative segment”.
