As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 18th of May, 2020, Croatian Railways (HZ) has ordered twelve new trains for suburban and intercity traffic from Končar’s company – Electric Vehicles.
The move marks an investment worth a massive 465 million kuna and it is part of the investment cycle of Croatia’s much needed railway modernisation, which is being realised with foreign loans and money from European Union funds, writes HRT.
This is one of about twenty electric trains that Croatian Railways (HZ Putnički prijevoz) ordered from Končar, and the new twelve brand new modern trains should be in service in a couple of years.
”The trains are low-floor trains adapted for easier entry for people with reduced mobility, the vehicles are equipped with a passenger information system, video surveillance, wireless internet access, passengers have space for bicycles and also for additional luggage,” said Josip Ninić, President of Končar-Electric Vehicles.
The high-tech product was developed by Končar’s experts with domestic subcontractors.
”Trains like this are very expensive, the lowest price is around 40 million kuna. Such trains boast numerous pieces of sophisticated equipment, software solutions and all of this was purpose-developed in Končar. The trains were made according to all of the necessarily global standards and we’ve already sold one to Bosnia and Herzegovina,” emphasised Ivan Bahun, a member of the Management Board of Končar.
Končar is also hoping for new jobs for Croatian Railways, which has announced a tender for the procurement of 21 more trains that would be financed with European Union money. Croatian Railways would contract 37 new trains by the end of the year.
”These trains will run next year on the newly renovated sections of the railway to Zabok to Križevci and the section to Vinkovci. We’ll raise the quality and the frequency of this type of transport, we’ll reduce operating costs and change the perception of the railways,” stated Željko Ukić, President of the Management Board of Croatian Railways.
In addition to trains produced for Croatian Railways, Končar worked diligently on the overhaul of foreign locomotives throughout the coronavirus epidemic, as well as on the first tram for a foreign customer.
The first of six contracted trams made for Latvia should start working in the autumn.
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