Ukrainian Railways (UZ) built an in-house hopper wagon with variable gauge. “It is intended for the transportation of grain and other loose food cargo”, the company said. This is the first time UZ ventured into such an initiative. “Next, we plan to put such wagons (the new hoppers) into serial production” said Yevhen Lyashchenko, chairman of the board at Ukrainian Railways.

The Ukrainian company launched the production of various rail components at the beginning of the Russian invasion. The 151 products now produced autonomously include containers, new types of sleepers, barriers, brake shoes, and brake tires. The hopper wagon is a 19-8005-U model, with a carrying capacity of 70 tons and a design speed of 120 km/h. “Most of the components and materials for it are of domestic production”,UZ added.

The new grain hoppers, suitable to travel on both standard and broad gauges can be seen as another step towards Ukraine’s integration into the EU railways. However, the difference in gauge is only one of many challenges for this process. Moreover, a study from the European Investment Bank and the European Commission claimed that variable gauge rolling stock is not a valid long-term option. Another issue pointed out by the study was that Ukraine should adapt to the European Model of Rails. A similar perspective was shared by UZ Board Member Yevhen Shramko, who highlighted how, for example, testing procedures differ between Ukraine and the EU.

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