Russian Railways (RZD) in Moscow has announced plans to acquire two high‑speed trains from IRAL Locomotives for use on the St. Petersburg corridor. The project carries a price tag of 12 billion rubles and signals a renewed push toward faster intercity travel along Russia’s northern routes. The information comes from official communications from the RZD press service.
Delivery of the new trains is expected toward the end of March 2028. At present, the Rail Transport Engineering Center is finalizing the design documentation for these trains. Preliminary design work has already been completed. The trains will be configured as eight‑car formations and will be capable of coupling with a second unit to expand capacity when needed. The service plan includes four travel classes, offering a range of options for passengers. The maximum operating speed is projected to reach 400 km/h, with an average journey speed around 360 km/h in typical conditions.
In contrast to this development, Siemens suspended a contract in March 2022 that related to the purchase of high‑speed Sapsan trains. The broader agreement for the procurement and maintenance of 13 Sapsan units was originally signed in 2019, with a total value of approximately 1.1 billion euros. The shift in agreements reflects evolving strategies in fleet modernization and supplier relations within Russia’s railway sector.
In May 2023, the Moscow Arbitration Court issued orders seeking daily penalties against Siemens due to delays in delivering Sapsan trains to Russian Railways. The court action underscored the importance of timely delivery in sustaining the railway’s service targets and fleet availability. These developments highlight ongoing challenges and efforts to maintain reliable high‑speed services for travelers on major routes.
Earlier statements from Russian Railways referred to the movement of trains over Vyazma following the collapse of a bridge, an incident that prompted rapid reevaluation of route reliability and contingency planning. Executives emphasized the need for resilient infrastructure and careful scheduling to minimize disruption and uphold service standards across the network. The current negotiations and anticipated deliveries illustrate a broader strategy to diversify suppliers and expand high‑speed capabilities for international and domestic travelers alike, with periodic reviews to align with safety, performance, and financial objectives. [Source: RZD press service]