Order from Eastern Europe gets underway

"This project is a fine example of international cooperation in the European rail sector," says Martin Nemecek, Key Account Manager at DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung. The Czech state railway České dráhy had acquired twelve regional trains that previously belonged to DB Regio. The Slovakian maintenance company ŽOS Zvolen won the contract for the overhaul of the diesel railcars and brought DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung on board as a partner to handle the reconditioning of all complex technical components.

DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung already has many years of experience with VT 646 articulated railcars. "Component overhaul is part of our core business," says Nemecek. "From technical expertise to engineering and the procurement of materials, we are providing our partner in Slovakia with a reliable, all-inclusive package." The bogies and wheelsets are currently being reconditioned at the competence centre for diesel multiple units at Kassel Maintenance Depot, while the Centaflex couplers are being reconditioned at the competence centre for diesel engines in Bremen. The traction motors are being overhauled by Dessau Maintenance Depot and all electronic components are being handled by the competence centre for electronics repairs at the Munich Central Electronics Workshop. Meanwhile, the centre of expertise for brake components in Fulda is responsible for overhauling the brake system.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the project started on schedule and the first components have already been delivered. The contract runs until 2022. "We are delighted to be able to further expand our Eastern European network with this project," says Nemecek. "As a strong partner, we can offer our services at competitive prices – even across national borders. Because of the growing demand for rail transport throughout Europe, international partnerships like these are becoming increasingly important."