The KZ4At series is a four axle locomotive with a top speed of 200 kph. Alstom has given this locomotive its own design, its exterior clearly differs form the KZ8A freight locomotive. A more rounded front with a re-interpreted PrimaII head light design. The livery is similar to what is applied on other passenger locomotives of the Kazakhstan railways (KTZ). Of course, the dimension of this machine is completely different from any Alstom product for Europa. The KZ4At needs to be compliant with all regulations of its new home country, and needs to function under more extreme weather conditions.
KZ4At for Kazakhstan: news
2017
2017-06-27
[KZ] Alstom: Update on the KZ4A and KZ8A production in Kazakhstan
update 2017|06|27
[KZ] Alstom: Update on the KZ4A and KZ8A production in Kazakhstan
Alstom reports: Alstom’s JV EKZ became the first train manufacturer in Kazakhstan to receive the IRIS certification (International Railway Industry Standard).This certification has been established based on the ISO 9001 standard, with the goal of securing higher quality in the railway industry. It is the only sector-specific quality standard recognised worldwide by the rail industry for assessing management systems.
(..)
EKZ employs 420 people and is working on supplying and maintaining the Prima electric locomotives ordered by KTZ for 2020. Today, 42 Prima T8 (Railcolor: KZ8A) freight locomotives and 20 Prima M4 (Railcolor: KZ4a) passenger locomotives are already in commercial operation on Kazakhstan’s rail lines. In 2015, Alstom and EKZ were awarded by Azerbaijan Railways a contract to deliver 50 locomotives to Azerbaijan.
Alstom is present in Kazakhstan with more than 600 people, two Joint Ventures and two plants, EKZ in Astana for locomotives manufacturing and maintenance; and KazElectroPrivod in Almaty for the production of point machines. Alstom is the only manufacturer of electric locomotives and point machines in the Central Asian and Caucasian region and a major contributor to the revitalisation of its rail industry and the development of its economy.
'France’s industry minister Mr Christophe Sirugue told a meeting of union representatives and elected officials in Belfort on October 4 that the French government will fund an order for 15 TGV Euroduplex trains and 20 locomotives to save Alstom’s plant in the town from closure.
Sirugue also confirmed that French National Railways (SNCF) will also order a batch of six TGVs for Paris - Lyon - Turin services. Power cars for all 21 trains will be built at Belfort, securing the medium-term future of the plant, which employs 480 staff.'
Railcolor: it is not an order yet, but a plan. Last September, Alstom announced to close the Belfort site as a manufacturing location and to reform it as service point. 400 of the 480 employees would be re-assigned to another Alstom factory in France. However, president Mr François Hollande intervened and blocked the plan. Not only does he care about the factory and its workforce, Hollande is also facing elections next year and closing yet another factory is bad news for his campaign.
But if this new 'save Belfort' plan will be executed is to be seen. It depends on whether or not this governmental intervention is regarded as (illegal) state aid or not. Next to that, Alstom was not planning to stop locomotive production, nor firing people. It was slimming down its production capacity as its order portfolio was not as full as envisaged. Alstom was planning on moving its locomotive production to Reichshoffen, what will happen there when Belfort stays open? And of course there is the more general question, what is to become of Belfort on the long term? The possible new order will only bring work for around 1,5-2 years. To be continued.
Update: Lok-report.de brings a summary (scroll down) of what has been communicated in the French press yesterday. Additionally, Philippe Jacqué is answering questions from readers. The extra TGVs can be ordered directly from existing frame contracts. Curious is that some of the new TGVs will be used on conventional intercity lines.
For SNCF, twenty support and rescue locomotives will be ordered (French: '20 locomotives diesel pour le remorquage de trains en panne).
Alstom will have to invest 40 million euro in Belfort, to be used for expanding it product portfolio (locomotives and electric busses), creating new jobs in the service department. 30 million euro will go into the 'development of new diesel or hybrid locomotives'.
[KZ] Alstom sets a new high-speed record in Kazakhstan with its KZ4AT locomotive
update 2016|07|19
[KZ] Alstom sets a new high-speed record in Kazakhstan with its KZ4AT locomotive
Alstom reports it has set a high-speed record in Kazakhstan reaching 200 km/h while conducting tests on its KZ4AT passenger locomotive on the Moiynty-Kiik line South East of Astana. These dynamic tests are part of the validation process in order to allow the locomotives to run up to their maximum design speed during commercial operation.
“We are very pleased and proud that those tests were successful and that we reached 200 km/h for the first time in the railway history of Kazakhstan. This record opens new promising prospects for Kazakhstan as an important hub linking Europe, Middle East, Asia and Russia through new Silk Way”, said Bernard Peille, Managing Director South CIS Alstom.
The production of locomotives is localised at the EKZ plant in Astana, jointly owned by Alstom (50%), KTZ (25%) and Transmashholding (25%).
With 14,000 km of track, the Kazakh railway network is the world’s third biggest network using the 1,520 mm track gauge and represents a substantial market for signalling equipment as well as maintenance activities.
[KZ] Alstom KZ4At locomotive in commercial service
update 2015|04|08
[KZ] Alstom KZ4At locomotive in commercial service
Think-railways reports: "The first KZ4AT passenger locomotive, jointly developed by Alstom and Transmashholding and delivered to Kazakh Railways by EKZ, has entered commercial service on the Astana-Kokshetau line. Two other locomotives, currently performing dynamic tests in Kazakhstan, are to be delivered in 2015."
KZ4At for Kazakhstan
2014
2014-12-27
[KZ] Video of the Alstom KZ4At locomotive for Kazakhstan
update 2014|12|27
[KZ] Video of the Alstom KZ4At locomotive for Kazakhstan
[KZ] Alstom increases its share in its Kazakh locomotive JV + €1.3 billion euro maintenance contract signed
update 2014|12|05
[KZ] Alstom increases its share in its Kazakh locomotive JV + €1.3 billion euro maintenance contract signed
Alstom signed today an agreement with the Kazakh national railway company (KTZ) to acquire an additional 25% of KTZ’s stake, thereby bringing its total share to 50%, in the EKZ joint venture (JV).
This JV has been awarded a €1.3 billion contract for the maintenance of freight (KZ8A) and passenger (KZ4AT) electric locomotives during 25 years. These agreements were signed by Askar Mamin, KTZ President and Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Alstom Transport President, during the official visit of the French President François Hollande.
After approval by the relevant authorities, Alstom will become the main shareholder in EKZ, KTZ and TMH both holding 25% of the joint venture based in Astana. With Alstom as major shareholder, EKZ scope will be extended to maintenance activities with the creation of a service centre.
“The agreement and the contract signed today show the sustainability of Alstom’s global strategy. By increasing Alstom’s share in EKZ, we show our confidence in the attractiveness of Kazakhstan investment environment and we contribute to the development of new expertise and skills locally to address not only Kazakhstan’s needs but also regional ones. This major maintenance contract confirms Alstom’s commitment to the modernisation of the rail industry and to the dynamism of Kazakhstan and central Asia with its rolling stock expertise and maintenance activities” said Martin Vaujour, Managing Director, Alstom Transport Central Asia.
Kazakhstan is an important hub linking Europe, Middle East, Asia and Russia through the new Silk Way. With almost 20,000 km of tracks, the Kazakh railway network is the world’s third biggest using the 1,520 mm track gauge. Besides wide and winterized rolling stock able to run in temperatures reaching -50°C, this market is characterised by very specific technical standards which require adapted engineering solutions. Alstom entered the Kazakhstan’s railway market in June 2010 together with its Russian partner Transmashholding, by laying the first stone of the EKZ facility.
The plant is working on supplying the electric locomotives ordered by KTZ by 2020[2]. Today, 24 KZ8A locomotives are already in operation on Kazakhstan’s rail lines, and the KZ4AT has passed its first dynamic tests at the speed of 200 km/h. Earlier this year, Azerbaijan Railways awarded a contract to EKZ to deliver 50 additional KZ8A locomotives to Azerbaijan.
[DE] The Alstom electrics for Kazahkstan: KZ4At-0001 vs KZ8A-0016
update 2014|12|03
[DE] The Alstom electrics for Kazahkstan: KZ4At-0001 vs KZ8A-0016
It is the first time we see a KZ4At locomotive next to a KZ8A locomotive, in one image. These are the two new locomotive products from Alstom for the railways of Kazahkstan (KTZ). Alstom gave the freight locomotive (KZ8A - 2x4 axle - 120 kph) and the high speed passenger locomotive (KZ4At - 4 axle - 200 kph) different fronts and different liveries. - AZKZ8A for KazakhstanKZ4At for Kazakhstan
2014-04-28
[WORLD] GE and Siemens battle for take-over Alstom [update]
update 2014|04|28
[WORLD] GE and Siemens battle for take-over Alstom [update]
The story continues. Last week, it was reported that General Electric wanted to acquire Alstom from France (the complete portfolio). Then Siemens came with a opposing bid: They want to take over the Power/Grid activities from Alstom, and in return Siemens will give its locomotive / high speed divisions to the French, with extra cash.
[FR/KZ] First KZ4AT locomotive ready to go to Kazachstan
update 2013|10|25
[FR/KZ] First KZ4AT locomotive ready to go to Kazachstan
The first KZ4AT passenger locomotive for Kazakhstan is ready. KZ4AT-0001 is a four axle locomotive with a top speed of 200 kph. Alstom has given this locomotive its own design, its exterior clearly differs form the KZ8A freight locomotive. A more rounded front with a re-interpreted PrimaII head light design. The livery is similar to what is applied on other passenger locomotives of the Kazakhstan railways (KTZ). Of course, the dimension of this machine is completely different from any Alstom product for Europa. The KZ4AT needs to be compliant with all regulations of its new home country, and needs to function under more extreme weather conditions.
More information is found on the website of EKZ: Ekz.com. EKZ is the new locomotive building facility in Astana, Kazakhstan, where Alstom and its partner Transmashholding from Russia will construct the majority of the KZ8A and KZ4AT locomotives in the near future. The EKZ factory is setup in a joint-venture with the Kazakhstan railways.
KZ4At for Kazakhstan
2013-09-21
[FR/KZ] Alstom KZ4AT impression
update 2013|09|21
[FR/KZ] Alstom KZ4AT impression
Railcolor impession of the KZA4T intercity locomotive for Kazakhstan
Alstom should be finalizing the first KZ4AT locomotives in Belfort by now. It is the second type of the 295 unit order placed back in 2010 by the railways of Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan Temir Zholy). We already know the KZ8A twin-unit freight locomotives, this Railcolor impression gives a first idea of the final design of the 95 KZ4AT passenger locomotives. The KZ4AY will be a 4-axle machine with a top speed of 200 kph and 4.8 MW duration power.
Like with the KZ8A, ten machines will be completely built in Belfort (FR), then shifting production the the EKZ production facility in Astana, Kazakhstan.
You do not see a new locomotive factory that often, still completely empty. EKZ (Kazachstan railways + Transmashholding + Alstom) recently inaugurated their new factory in Astana. Here the majority of KZ4AT and KZ8A locomotieves for Kazachstan will be built. The very first KZ8A locomotive has arrived at the plant, and attended the official ceremony on 04.12.2012.
KZ8A for KazakhstanKZ4At for Kazakhstan
2012-05-27
[KZ/FR] Kazachstan KZ4A: first high speed PrimaII locomotive?
update 2012|05|27
[KZ/FR] Kazachstan KZ4A: first high speed PrimaII locomotive?
Interesting quote from the current Railvolution Issue 2/12: '...The first Prima II prototype made one trip abroad from France in 2011, visiting the Rail Tec Arsenal climatic chamber in Wien in March. The reason for this was the need to check the cab design for Kazachstan Prima II contract (....) Alstom's initial plans are to get the Prima II authorization completed for France and Gerany, the target date being 2013. Both prototypes are the freight version, and it is planned to make the first Kazachstan machine the first 200 kph Prima II passenger locomotive. This is scheduled for outshopping in 2013.'
Railcolor: Time for some creative speculation. The image shows you what a 200 kph PrimaII for Kazachstan could look like. To be clear, it is a Railcolor design, nothing officially from Alstom.KZ4At for Kazakhstan
2010
2010-10-27
[FR/RU/KZ] Alstom and Transmashholding very succesful in Russia and Kazakhstan
update 2010|10|27
[FR/RU/KZ] Alstom and Transmashholding very succesful in Russia and Kazakhstan
In June 2010, Alstom and its new partner Transmashholding (in which Alstom now holds a 25% stake) got an order for 200 EP20 passenger locomotives, to be delivered to the Russian federal railways. At the InnoTrans these companies signed a letter of intent for the delivery of several hundred twin-unit 2ES5 locomotives. This contract must be signed before 01.09.2011.
It was already known that the TMH/Alstom combination was aiming at the Kazakhstan market and now they have succeeded: 295 single- and twin-unit electrics are being ordered by Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. Note that Alstom's French locomotive factory in Belfort will construct complete units this time.
Don't forget that also Siemens will built 221 2ES10 twin-section electrics in the next years. I may be quiet in Europe... it is sure compensated by whats happening in the near and far east!