Wabtec Corporation has secured a 4.2 billion USD contract with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway operator of Kazakhstan, to supply its Evolution Series locomotives and long-term service support.
The agreement represents the largest single locomotive order in Wabtec’s history. The locomotives will be adapted for Kazakhstan’s operating environment, including harsh weather conditions and varied terrain, and are intended to support KTZ’s programme of fleet renewal and expansion.
In addition to the new units, Wabtec will provide maintenance services for both the incoming locomotives and KTZ’s existing fleet. The service agreements are designed to improve availability and reliability while managing lifecycle costs.
Talgat Aldybergenov, CEO of National Railway Company of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy said:Kazakhstan plays a key role in realising the transit potential of the Eurasian continent. This new agreement confirms our commitment to advanced technologies in the transport sector and will also make a significant contribution to the development of industry and railway engineering in Kazakhstan.
The signing took place in the presence of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, underlining the agreement’s political and economic significance.
The new contract is expected to strengthen Wabtec’s position in Kazakhstan while supporting KTZ’s strategy of enhancing its role along the Middle Corridor trade route between Europe and Asia.
Rafael Santana, President and CEO of Wabtec said:For over two decades, our partnership with KTZ has been critical in transforming Kazakhstan’s rail industry. This historic agreement embodies KTZ’s visionary approach for the country’s rail network as the primary link between Europe and Asia. By delivering advanced locomotives and long-term service solutions, Wabtec is a proud partner in Kazakhstan’s progress, helping to unlock the region’s enormous potential and developing the engineering competencies in the country’s railway industry.
