RUSSIA: A PPP concession covering modernisation of the tramway infrastructure in Nizhny Novgorod and the supply of 170 new trams has been signed by the regional government and Environmental Projects Ltd.
The scope includes modernisation during 2023-26 of three depots, 15 traction substations and 149 km of track including the use of anti-vibration cushioning, along with the delivery 170 vehicles to replace the ageing fleet.
The upgrading is expected to provide a 45% increase in average tram speeds, generating wider economic benefits
The project does not include network expansion or reinstatement of withdrawn routes.
Costs
The concessionaire will invest 35·9bn roubles and the region will provide a 15·4bn rouble capital grant, of which 96% will come from the federal budget.
The concessionaire will be paid 61·4bn roubles to cover its investment and an operating payment of 65·2bn roubles, paid quarterly until the end of 2047.
The total cost of the project for the Nizhny Novgorod Region, including the federal co-financing, will be approximately 142bn roubles.
Trams
The vehicles are to be produced by Nizhekotrans in Vorsma, 50 km from Nizniy Novgorod.
Belarussian company Belkommunmash will have a 30% stake, with 15% owned by Environmental Projects and the remainder by bus manufacturer Foxbus and AMB Holding.
Belkommunmash does not currently have a series-produced low-floor tram, although CEO O Bytsko is one of the co-authors of a patent for a low-floor motorised bogie.
