Transmashholding subsidiary Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant (NEVZ) has delivered the first two 2ES5 freight locomotives for Russian Railways (RZD).
The 2ES5, named Scythian, is Russia’s first mainline electric freight locomotive to utilise asynchronous traction motors.
In 2011, Russian Railways (RZD) placed a €1 billion order for 200 electric locomotives to operate across Siberia and Russia’s eastern regions on the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM).
In the summer, RZD received approval to operate the 2ES5 in Russia.
NEVZ is manufacturing the 2ES5 in Novocherkassk in partnership with Alstom. All 200 new locomotives are expected to be delivered by 2020.
The 2ES5 features an automatic train operation system with  GLONASS GPS navigation control.
NEVZ has said the new locomotives will significantly cut idle time during repair and maintenance activities.
