RUSSIA: The Nizhekotrans tram manufacturing joint venture of Russian and Belarussian companies has rolled out its first completed vehicle, produced as part of an extensive modernisation of the Nizhny Novgorod tramway.
The single-section tram is designated T856 MiNiN (‘Minsk & Nizhny Novgorod’), and has an exterior and interior design tailored to local requirements.
In September, the regional government and Environmental Projects Ltd signed a concession agreement for the modernisation of the Nizhny Novgorod tram network. This includes extensive rebuilding of the track, depots and substations, and fleet renewal with the supply of 170 fully low-floor cars by 2024.
To support this the Nizhekotrans tram manufacturing joint venture was established in the town of Vorsma, 50 km from Nizhny Novgorod.
Belarussian manufacturer Belkommunmash has a 30% stake and concessionaire Environmental Projects 15%, with the remainder held by bus manufacturer Foxbus and AMB Holding.
Under the deal Belkommunmash is to supply Nizhekotrans with to 10 T811 trams, 26 T856 three-section trams, 20 other trams and 114 sets of bogies and electrical equipment which it has developed in-house.
