Kiev Metropolitan received funding from EBRD to buy new metro trains from Russia’s metro carriages manufacturer Vagonmash

16-8-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Kiev Metropolitan has this week unveiled new trains which will enter service this month on the city’s network in a project funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The EBRD previously signed a €100 million Kiev City Transport project to buy new rolling stock for the Ukrainian capital. A €40 million loan was provided to Kiev Metropolitan to finance the acquisition of up to 10 new metro trains of five carriages each.

Following parliamentary approval of EBRD procurement rules, Kiev Metropolitan launched a multi-stage open international tender to supply metro carriages.  Russia’s metro carriage manufacturer Vagonmash was declared the winner.

The rapidly growing capital heavily relies on its metro network, which daily transports millions of Kiev residents, tourists and business visitors.

It is expected that the new metro trains will operate on the Syretsko-Pecherska line. It runs across the Dnieper River and connects city dormitories with the centre.

Old metro carriages, many of which were manufactured as early as late 1960s, will now be replaced by modern ones with better air conditioning systems and additional space for handicapped passengers.

This is a beginning of a larger Kiev Metro modernisation programme, which envisages the replacement of its ageing rolling stock.

The new trains went on display at the Obolon depot on August 12.

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