In January 2017, Minsk Metro and Stadler Minsk signed an agreement for the delivery of ten trains for the city of Minsk: six four-car and four five-car vehicles. Delivery of the first six trains is planned for this year. The entire batch is to be delivered by 2020 in accordance with the delivery schedule. Two trains are already at the disposal of the Minsk metro depot, the third one will be delivered tonight.
From April to September of this year, the metro was running a series of tests, which included braking, dynamic-reliability (checking the supporting structures, ease of movement), pull and energy efficiency and sanitary tests, electromagnetic compatibility tests. On 5 November, journalists were given an opportunity to see the new four-car electric train in action, becoming its first passengers.
Carriages are equipped with video surveillance and air conditioning systems, USB charging points. Train cars are painted in the colors of the coat of arms of Minsk: blue, white and red. The train interior boasts light colors and laconic shapes. The maximum train width is 2.65m, height 3.69 m. Spacious inter-carriage connection secures additional space for passengers and freedom of movement throughout the train.
The concept is based on the principle of modularity that gives a possibility for the Minsk metro to have trains from four cars to eight cars. The length of the four-car train is 78.65m, the length of the five-car train is 97.65m. The number of seats is 168 and 212 respectively (they are fixed to the side walls of the car).
End carriages have designated spaces for wheelchairs, and also additional folding seats.Digital video cameras installed on the body of the end carriage ensure good visibility for the driver along the entire length of the train.
One of the most significant innovations is the automatic train operation system, which ensures additional control, safety, reduced energy consumption and compliance with the train schedule.
We have designed this train for the Minsk metro. We are proud that we have used our resources as much as possible. Of course, we would like to use it to attract more customers in the CIS, for example, it can be St. Petersburg in Russia, or Azerbaijan, Georgia that operate the 1520mm track. We can adjust trains for their infrastructure needs, Stadler Minsk CEO Philipp Brunner said.
Stadler Minsk is a resident of FEZ "Minsk". It was officially opened on 20 November 2014. The company makes part of the Swiss company Stadler Rail Group that has been one of the leading European manufacturers of railway rolling stock for more than 75 years already. Stadler Rail Group operates affiliated companies in Austria, Australia, Algeria, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Czechia, Italy and the United States.
Read full text at: https://eng.belta.by/economics/view/stadler-rolls-out-new-electric-train-for-minsk-metro-125621-2019/