The 10th electric multiple unit for regional transport was developed and manufactured at KONČAR – Električna vozila manufacturing plant. It is the last train for regional transport from the first stage of the implementation of the contract concluded between KONČAR and HŽ Putnički prijevoz. Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, inspected a new train.
On that occasion, the minister said:
- It is the last train from the regional train set. Ten local and intercity trains are be delivered next. Diesel trains are delivered subsequently. This is the project of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. HŽ Putnički prijevoz commissioned trains from a domestic manufacturer, which guarantees jobs. It will also be possible to place those trains on other markets in the future. This is a truly positive and beautiful tale coming from Croatia, which proves, along with statistical data, that Croatia is growing. And working hard, too.
Electric multiple units for regional transport run on Zagreb main station – Koprivnica, Zagreb main station – Sisak – Sunja – Novska, Zagreb main station – Novska and Zagreb main station – Ogulin - Moravice route. The first train from that set went into service on 9 April. Since then, the trains covered over 200,000 km. By the end of 2015, ten trains for regional transport will cover another approx. 800,000 km. The introduction of those new trains, being high technology products, resulted in a better quality of transportation service provided to passengers´ satisfaction.
Dražen Ratković, CEO of HŽ Putnički prijevoz, emphasized:
- I am very pleased that HŽ Putnički prijevoz acquired the 10th electric multiple units for regional transport from KONČAR – Električna vozila on this day, which will go into service in a few days. With these new trains, we provide our passengers with a high quality service. These new trains are reliable and the operating cost is lower. By implementing new technologies, the work performed by engine drivers and train staff is facilitated.
The train (EMU) itself and its main parts (electronic transformers, transformers, drive and electric powered towing motors) are being developed and produced by KONČAR Group branches, in collaboration with numerous Croatian and foreign companies. In compliance with the obligations arising from the contract, KONČAR delivers two trains per month to HŽ Putnički prijevoz, and the implementation of such production dynamics confirms once again that the domestic industry is capable of carrying out even the most demanding projects.
Darinko Bago, the Chairman of the Management Board of KONČAR – Elektroindustrija, emphasized:
- This is state-of-the-art low-floor train, which can travel at 160 km/h. The train complies with all European standards. On this day, we present to you three trains joined together to form one train in a very simple way, which will enable the train set to carry approx. 1,200 passengers all at once. This train represents the pinnacle in technological achievement in terms of this train category.
Ivan Bahun, CEO at KONČAR – Električna vozila commented on the possibility of production of those trains in the foreign market:
- The contracting process for this product is very long and it takes from three to five years. We have established many contacts in the region and beyond so far. We believe that trains will be present in the market of the region for a longer period. This relies on the fact that we offer a high quality product and acceptable prices. Such production guarantees new jobs as well. Around 50 major subcontractors were engaged in this project.
Following the production of trains for regional transport at KONČAR´s plants, the production of Electric Multiple Units for local and intercity traffic continues at KONČAR’s plants. The first train from that set will be going into service at the beginning of October 2015. As a part of the first stage of the contract, 10 electric multiple units for local and intercity transport are going to be made, along with a diesel electric train that will be delivered by the end of 2015.
Just a quick reminder, HŽ Putnički prijevoz concluded a contract with the company KONČAR – Električna vozila on the production of 44 new trains in January 2014, that is, 32 electric multiple units (16 for local and intercity transport and 16 for regional transport) and 12 diesel electric multiple units. The total value of acquisition is HRK 1.63bn. Trains will be going into service during the years 2015, 2016 and 2017.
