Ukraine eases rail purchase rules for used locomotives until March 24, 2027
Ukraine’s government resolution lets Ukrzaliznytsia buy used locomotives via a simplified procedure to offset equipment losses from Russian attacks; the regime runs until March 24, 2027.
KYIV, Sept 29 (Reuters) — Ukraine's government has allowed the state railway operator to procure used locomotives under a simplified procedure to offset equipment losses caused by Russian attacks, a government resolution published on Tuesday showed. Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian railways this year, hitting 120 passenger wagons, 304 locomotives and 43 railway stations by mid-September, state rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia told Reuters. The new regime waives lengthy public procurement procedures and will remain in force until March 24, 2027. Ukrzaliznytsia said that Russia has attacked 1,700 railway facilities in all since the start of the year.
The company had 2,022 operational locomotives at the start of 2021. Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, this month called on partners for urgent assistance in finding locomotives as well as with financing to accelerate procurement of new equipment. com)