Ukraine Eases Procurement Rules to Buy Used Locomotives After Rail Losses
Ukraine's government has allowed the state railway operator to buy used locomotives under a simplified procedure to offset losses from Russian attacks.
Ukraine's government has moved to simplify the way the state railway operator can acquire used locomotives, as Russian attacks continue to degrade the country's rail fleet.
A government resolution published on Tuesday permits the procurement of second-hand locomotives without the lengthy public procurement procedures normally required. The simplified regime is set to remain in force until March 24, 2027.
The measure is intended to help offset equipment losses inflicted by Russian strikes. State rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said Russia has attacked 1,700 railway facilities since the start of the year. By mid-September, the attacks had damaged 120 passenger wagons, 304 locomotives and 43 railway stations.
The operator had 2,022 operational locomotives at the start of 2021, before Russia's full-scale invasion.
Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, this month appealed to partners for urgent help in sourcing locomotives and for financing to speed up the purchase of new equipment.
The resolution reflects the pressure on Ukraine's rail network, which has remained a critical transport artery for passengers and freight throughout the war.