Ukrzaliznytsia has signed a contract with the Kryukiv Wagon Building Plant (KVBZ) for the supply of five renovated compartment cars. The cost of one is about $2.3 million, and the entire contract is estimated at UAH 478 million.
A few years ago, the price for a similar 40-seat car was $1.2–1.3 million, so the current amount is actually twice as high.
What has changed in the new cars?
According to the manufacturer, the updated cars are significantly different from the previous ones:
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wider body and longer beds (2.20 m);
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sliding doors like those in Hyundai;
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electric heating instead of coal;
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stainless steel body;
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increased service life to 50 years (previously – 30).
Ukrzaliznytsia emphasizes that thanks to a longer service life and less frequent repairs, the cars will be more economically profitable.
Hyundai or "Tarpan"?
Despite the fact that Ukraine has its own electric trains of the Tarpan type, the state-owned company plans to purchase another 20 Korean Hyundais. This raises the question: why is priority given to a foreign manufacturer rather than domestic technologies?
Analysts emphasize that it is important for the Ukrainian economy to support domestic production, especially in wartime. At the same time, Ukrzaliznytsia's final decision is explained by the need for fast deliveries and proven quality of foreign trains.
However, the cost of the new compartment cars and the choice in favor of foreign transport have already sparked discussion among experts and the public. The company's management is expected to provide a more detailed explanation of the economic calculations and justification for the procurement policy.
