OREANDA-NEWS. October 20, 2008. Modernising its fleet of rolling stock over the last five years has been one of the Company’s priorities in its investment programme, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

From October 2003 to September 2008, Russian Railways purchased 48,600 freight wagons, of which 46,800 were open box cars, more than 870 covered wagons, more than 870 wagons for transporting cement and 100 wagons for transporting grain. The Company also took delivery of more than 3,500 motor-train units.

During this period, the number of passenger coaches rose by 4,000 units. Around 1,840 cars were purchased, as well as over 1,550 open-plan carriages, about 190 night coaches, 170 saloon coaches with radios and for the disabled, more than 140 interregional cars and 54 Club cars with extra comfort. The Company also bought baggage cars, restaurant cars and service and other special wagons.

The engine fleet between October 2003 and September 2008 increased by more than 900 locomotives.

Under its 2008 investment programme, Russian Railways plans to procure 11,3000 freight wagons, 1000 coaches, 830 motor train units and 500 locomotives.