Uzbekistan to test Swiss Stadler trains for potential larger purchase

Uzbekistan plans to purchase two trains from the Swiss company Stadler, according to Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov. These trains will undergo trials on Uzbekistan’s railways before the country decides on acquiring a larger fleet from the manufacturer.

Photo: Stadler

Speaking at a Senate session on September 30, Minister Mahkamov emphasized that after testing, the government will consider purchasing more trains from Stadler to enhance the national railway network.

This announcement follows a meeting between Minister Mahkamov and Alexander Luft, Chairman of Stadler Rail’s CIS division, on September 13. During the meeting, both parties discussed potential cooperation, including the procurement of electric trains, the training of local specialists for maintenance services, and the possibility of localizing train production in Uzbekistan.

The discussions also covered Stadler’s capabilities to meet Uzbekistan’s passenger rail needs and a detailed examination of the company’s pricing policy for manufacturing and servicing in the CIS region.

In 2019, Stadler had previously engaged in discussions with Uzbekistan Railways to explore the production of lightweight train cars in the country and the possibility of exporting them to other Central Asian nations. The company also participated in a tender to supply 34 electric trains to Uzbekistan Railways.

In addition to the potential Stadler deal, Uzbekistan is also purchasing six high-speed trains from South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem and is planning to buy 30 electric trains from the Czech company Skoda. These purchases are being financed with loans amounting to €535 million, guaranteed by the state.

Stadler Rail, headquartered in Bussnang, Switzerland, specializes in the production of regional trains and trams. The company operates in multiple countries, including Algeria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Spain, and the United States.