Ukrzaliznytsia has signed a large-scale contract with the French company Alstom Transport S.A. for the supply of 55 new freight electric locomotives. The agreement was signed during an official meeting of the presidents of Ukraine and France, which emphasizes the strategic importance of the project for both countries. Its goal is to modernize the locomotive fleet and strengthen the economic sustainability of Ukrainian logistics in wartime conditions.

As noted by the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development, the locomotive fleet of Ukrzaliznytsia has long been in need of renewal: the average age of traction rolling stock exceeds 46 years. Minister Oleksiy Kuleba emphasized that the wear and tear of equipment posed a real threat to the country's export capacity and the stability of key logistics routes. According to him, the new agreement solves a critical problem by reducing the risks of loss of freight capacity.

The purchase was the result of an open international tender of the World Bank, in which more than ten companies from Europe and Asia participated. The winner was Alstom, one of the leading manufacturers of railway equipment, which offered the best conditions. According to the conclusions of an independent analysis, the price of high-power dual-system electric locomotives turned out to be competitive, and grant support further reduced it for UZ by 37%.

The total cost of the contract is 473 million euros. Delivery will begin in the first quarter of 2027, when the first Alstom locomotive will arrive in Ukraine. After certification and testing, the company will complete the shipment of the entire batch of electric locomotives by 2029.

As part of the agreement, Ukrzaliznytsia will receive service support, a set of spare parts, as well as training for drivers and technical personnel. Separately, the parties previously agreed on the participation of Ukrainian enterprises in the localization of part of the production — in particular, in the supply of safety and communication systems, brake pads, wheelsets, cable products and cooling systems.

The new electric locomotives will be built on the Alstom Traxx Hauler platform, one of the most modern in Europe. These are the first freight locomotives for Ukraine that can operate simultaneously on two power supply systems, which will ensure their efficiency and versatility during operation on different sections of the railway network.

The project will be an important step in the modernization of Ukrainian railway infrastructure and strengthening its role in international trade, especially in conditions where reliable logistics are critical for the country's economic security.