Ukrzaliznytsia Takes Delivery of First New Carriages; 60 More Expected by End of 2026

Ukrzaliznytsia’s New Sleeper Carriages Arrive

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukraine’s state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, has taken delivery of its first six new sleeper carriages, built at the Kryukiv Railway Car Building Plant (KVBZ). This initial shipment is part of a larger government contract for 100 carriages, signed in the summer of 2025. The total value of the deal is approximately 6.5 billion hryvnias. Under the current schedule, Ukrzaliznytsia is set to receive an additional 60 carriages by the end of 2026.

Specifications and Key Features of the New Carriages

The agreement between Ukrzaliznytsia and KVBZ covers the production of:

• 88 standard sleeper carriages,
• 7 specialized inclusive carriages,
• 5 next-generation carriages with a service life extended by 20 years.

KVBZ’s production network involves over 150 Ukrainian enterprises, providing a significant boost to the national economy.

The new carriages come equipped with an energy-efficient air conditioning system to enhance passenger comfort. They also feature changing tables and dedicated playpens for children in the compartments. An upgraded battery system maintains a comfortable temperature even before the train departs. Each compartment includes a chessboard on the table, while the upper bunks have individual tables with bottle holders. Additionally, the carriages are fitted with modern ramps and wider doorways to improve accessibility for all passengers.

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration, Oleksii Kuleba, highlighted the significance of this order: 'This means thousands of jobs, tax revenues for the budget, and the development of technologies that have applications far beyond carriage manufacturing.'

The arrival of these new carriages underscores Ukraine’s commitment to modernizing its railway network and improving passenger comfort. This contract is important not only for upgrading infrastructure but also for creating jobs and supporting domestic manufacturing-a critical priority amid ongoing economic challenges. The advanced technologies used in production also signal progress in Ukraine’s industrial sector, with potential positive ripple effects across the broader economy.

As Ukrzaliznytsia enhances its fleet with modern sleeper carriages, it's also implementing innovative pricing strategies for first-class tickets. This shift aims to improve travel accessibility and optimize revenue streams, reflecting the broader transformation within the railway sector. To learn more about these upcoming changes to ticket pricing, visit the details on dynamic pricing.