MINSK, 27 January (BelTA) – Belarusian Railways and the Stadler Minsk company has started experimental trials of the first five-car interregional business-class electric train, the Belarusian Railways press service told BelTA.
The new train can travel as fast as 160kmph. It offers 262 first-class and second-class seats. There are 16 seats in the first-class compartment. Those are comfortable reclining seats with individual armrests. The first-class compartment is separated with a powered glass partition from the rest of the train. Buttons to call train conductors are also installed in the first-class compartment. There is also space for storing large luggage and a coat rack for outdoor clothes. The second-class compartments are fitted with soft seats with 3+2 scheme armrests.
The train also offers seats for people with disabilities. One of the cars offers space for transporting prams, large luggage or three bicycles.
The five-car electric trains are also equipped with air conditioners with an antibacterial module. Wi-Fi Internet access and GSM signal boosters are also part of the package.
A number of trials have to be completed before Belarusian Railways authorizes the use of the new trains for passenger service. Brakes will be tested as well as other functions. The impact on the railway track will be evaluated. The compliance of the electric equipment with standard requirements will be verified. Control devices, fire safety, and ecological safety will be checked. The new electric train will have to travel for at least 5,000km as part of the trial runs.
Seven-car electric trains are the basic model the new five-car trains are based on. The seven-car trains have been used by Belarusian Railways since 2016 to transport passengers between Minsk and Gomel.
A contract on supplying ten five-car electric trains was signed in January 2019. The first three trains are supposed to be delivered to Belarusian Railways in Q3 2021. They will be used in the electrified sections of Belarusian Railways that see the heaviest passenger traffic.
At present Belarusian Railways uses 18 electric trains made by the Swiss company Stadler Rail Group.
