By Zolotaya Korona

Copyright trend

BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 6.​ Kazakhstan Temir
Zholy JSC (KTZ) and American Wabtec rail technology and equipment
company have signed the largest agreement in the company’s history,
valued at $4.2 billion, for the supply of Evolution series
locomotives and long-term maintenance services, aimed at
modernizing Kazakhstan’s railway sector, Trend reports via

“For over two decades, our partnership with KTZ has played a key
role in transforming Kazakhstan’s railway industry. This historic
agreement reflects KTZ’s strategic vision in developing the
national railway network as a major link between Europe and Asia.
By providing modern locomotives and long-term service solutions,
Wabtec is proud to partner with Kazakhstan on the path of progress,
helping unlock the region’s vast potential and advance engineering
expertise in the country’s rail sector,” said Wabtec President and
CEO Rafael Santana.

He added that Kazakhstan serves as a regional competence center
for Wabtec, and the new deal will further strengthen the
partnership with KTZ, enhancing the company’s presence and
leadership as a technological and innovative partner in the railway
technology market. The new locomotives will support KTZ’s fleet
expansion and renewal program, designed to operate in Kazakhstan’s
harsh climate and mountainous terrain.

Santana noted that the new generation of Evolution series
locomotives will increase fuel efficiency and reduce the frequency
of major overhauls. He also emphasized that the contract includes
maintenance agreements aimed at supporting both the new locomotives
and KTZ’s existing fleet, with services tailored to maximize
reliability and availability while optimizing operational

“Kazakhstan plays a key role in realizing the transit potential
of the Eurasian continent,” said Talgat Aldybergenov, CEO of the

“This new agreement demonstrates our commitment to adopting
advanced technologies in the transport sector and will make a
significant contribution to the development of industry and railway
engineering in the country,” he added.

Wabtec was established in 1999 through a merger, although its
roots may be traced to 1869 with George Westinghouse and the
Westinghouse Air Brake Company. Wabtec’s rail technology includes
equipment, systems, digital solutions, and services for the freight
and transit rail industries, with the objective of enhancing
safety, efficiency, and sustainability through innovations such as
battery-powered locomotives and railcar telematics.

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