TMH Secures 15 Minsk-2024 Metro Cars for Minsk Metro by 2026

MINSK, BELARUS – The Minsk Metro has awarded a contract to Transmashholding (TMH) for the supply of 15 new Minsk-2024 metro cars. The order consists of three 5-car trainsets to be manufactured at TMH’s Mytishchi plant. The delivery timeline is set for the end of 2026, following a tender organised by the Minsk City Executive Committee.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The agreement covers the design, manufacture, and delivery of three complete 5-car metro trains, totalling 15 cars. These trains are an extension of the Minsk-2024 model, which features open gangways, HVAC systems with integrated UV air disinfection, and a modern train safety and automation system. The contract continues a recent fleet renewal effort, which includes a 2023 order for seven 4-car TMH trains (28 cars) and the delivery of 48 Minsk-2024 cars that entered service in 2024.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

This 15-car order continues Minsk Metro’s steady fleet modernisation but is modest in scale compared to major international procurements. For instance, New York’s MTA is currently executing its largest-ever single car order for up to 2,000 new R211 subway cars from Kawasaki, which also feature open gangways to increase capacity (Source: MTA, 2024). Locally, the new TMH order is smaller than the 2017 contract awarded to Stadler for 10 trains (a mix of four and five-car sets, totalling 44 cars) for the Minsk Metro’s third line. It is, however, part of a consistent procurement pattern from TMH, following a 2023 order for 28 cars.

Editor’s Analysis

This contract reinforces the deep-rooted partnership between TMH and Minsk Metro, solidifying the Russian manufacturer’s position as the primary supplier for the Belarusian capital’s network despite the presence of European competitor Stadler in the fleet. The emphasis on an “innovative train safety and automation system” reflects a broader market shift toward digital control technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce reliance on driver input. This trend is driving growth in the global railway signalling market, which increasingly incorporates AI and IoT for enhanced safety and performance (Source: Various Market Research Reports, 2024).

FAQ

Q: Who manufactures the Minsk-2024 trains?
A: The trains are manufactured by Transmashholding (TMH) at its plant in Mytishchi, Russia. The production process also incorporates components and equipment sourced from Belarus.

Q: What are the key passenger features of the new trains?
A: The Minsk-2024 model includes open gangways for movement between cars, wide doors with anti-trap protection, and an HVAC system with UV lamps for air disinfection. Pneumatic suspension is used to reduce noise and vibration levels.

Q: Does the Minsk Metro use trains from other manufacturers?
A: Yes, in addition to the TMH fleet, the Minsk Metro has been operating 10 trains supplied by Swiss manufacturer Stadler since 2019. This fleet consists of six 4-car trains and four 5-car trains.