KTZ Systematically Upgrades Its Locomotive Fleet
 

 

28-07-2026

KTZ – Freight Transportation LLP continues to upgrade its locomotive fleet. New shunting and mainline locomotives are already operating on Kazakhstan's railway network, enhancing transportation efficiency, operational reliability, and traffic safety.

The company is paying special attention to updating its shunting fleet. To this end, a contract was signed with the Chinese company CRRC for the supply of 100 CKD6S-series diesel locomotives. To date, 67 locomotives have been received. They are currently operated in Pavlodar, Ekibastuz, Astana, Karaganda, Zhanaarka, and Balkhash.

According to Konstantin Tsoy, Deputy General Director for Locomotive Management at KTZ – Freight Transportation LLP, the development of the new model took into account the feedback of Kazakhstani railway workers and the operational experience of the previous generation of shunting locomotives.

"The main design advantage of the CKD6S is its shortened wheelbase. The length of the locomotive has been reduced from 22 to 18 meters. Thanks to this, it negotiates small-radius curves more easily and can operate on complex spur tracks where other locomotive series were previously required," noted Konstantin Tsoy.

The CKD6S diesel locomotive is designed for operations at sorting stations and humps. It is a six-axle locomotive weighing 138 tons with a design speed of up to 100 km/h. It is equipped with the BORT safety system, which monitors driver alertness. For locomotive crews, the cab includes an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a hot plate for heating food.

The company also continues to upgrade its mainline fleet.

Approximately 200 KZ8A-series freight electric locomotives have been received from the Alstom plant in Astana. They are operated on the Astana – Arys – Almaty route, hauling heavy and long-haul freight trains.

The delivery of TE33A-series mainline diesel locomotives manufactured by the Wabtec plant in Astana is ongoing. To date, 551 locomotives have entered the network. They operate in the western and eastern regions of the country, including the Aktobe, Kandyagash, Altynkol, Dostyk, Semey, Matay, and Ayagoz routes.

Another joint project is being implemented with CRRC. Under the contract, KTZ will receive 100 TE36A-series mainline diesel locomotives. To date, 83 locomotives have been delivered.

Concurrently, the service infrastructure is being developed. Specialized service centers are being opened for the new locomotives, allowing for timely maintenance and ensuring a high level of equipment readiness.

"We are not only purchasing new locomotives but also creating a system for their maintenance. Alongside the delivery of equipment, the service infrastructure is developing, personnel are being trained, and a stock of components is being built. This ensures the reliable operation of locomotives throughout their entire life cycle," emphasized Konstantin Tsoy.

Service centers for the CKD6S diesel locomotives are already operating in Pavlodar, Ekibastuz, Astana, Karaganda, and Zhanaarka. Alstom locomotives are serviced in Astana, Shu, Arys, and Almaty. For Wabtec locomotives, servicing is organized in Ayagoz, Makat, Almaty, and other regions. For the TE36A-series diesel locomotives, a service center has already been opened in Mangistau, and similar centers will appear in Kandyagash and Tobol in the near future.

Upgrading the locomotive fleet remains one of KTZ's top priorities. Modern locomotives increase transportation efficiency, enhance the reliability of the railway network, and improve working conditions for locomotive crews.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»