Ukraine’s rail operator eyes $400 million deal for 20 Hyundai trains from South Korea

Source: Forbes Ukraine

In a move to modernize Ukraine’s railway system, state rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia is planning to purchase 20 Hyundai Rotem Intercity trains from South Korea by 2028. Alexander Pertsovsky,  passenger services director at Ukrzaliznytsia, said on Thursday that active negotiations are currently underway with South Korean representatives.

These new trains are expected to carry 5-6 million passengers annually. The estimated cost for each train is around $16 million, bringing the total deal, including maintenance services, to approximately $400 million.

If the deal goes through, the first Hyundai trains could arrive within 18-24 months after the agreement is signed, with the full delivery of all 20 trains expected within three to four years.

Pertsovsky revealed that Ukrzaliznytsia’s train fleet is shrinking by 5-7% annually due to aging cars, with the average train car now 31 years old. Without new investments, the railway operator might only meet a third of passenger demand by 2028.