A consortium of Škoda Transportation and Siemens has secured a €115m contract to deliver 50 Viaggio Comfort passenger cars to Czech Railways (ČD).
Under the arrangement, Siemens will have the responsibility to design, manufacture and deliver the car bogies along with their dynamic commissioning and authorisation, while Škoda will manage the electric and mechanic final assembly, as well as the static commissioning procedures. Škoda will also provide auxiliary converters and control cabinets for the bogies.
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Deliveries of the first cars are expected to start within 32 months.
Czech Railways CEO Pavel Krtek said: “The new concept combines the comfort and equipment of high-speed trains with the advantages offered by locomotive-hauled trains. This will enable us to further strengthen our competitiveness in mainline transport, not only within the Czech Republic but also in Central Europe.”
ČD is planning to use the new cars to expand its mainline services. They are also expected to help the operator have greater flexibility in operations and run its services according to the varying demand on different routes.
Based on Siemens’ Viaggio Comfort platform, the new cars can operate as five-unit trains with semi-rigid rod couplings and pressure-tight gangway connections.
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By GlobalDataEach end of the train features a standard UIC coupling so that operations can be carried in combination with different cars and locomotives.
Overall, the 330m-long trains will have 330 seats with WLAN reception, power outlets and USB ports. They can run at a top speed of 200km/h.
They will also include first-class and second-class seating arrangements with separate spaces for wheelchairs, barrier-free toilet and an electric lift.
All cars will be provided with air-conditioning systems, as well as folding and permanent tables between opposing seats and additional space to keep personal belongings.
