Alstom signs a first maintenance contract for the Kazakh Railways KTZ

Alstom and AO Locomotive, a subsidiary of the Kazakh Railways, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), have signed a contract for the full maintenance, major overhaul and modernization of 27 passenger locomotives KZ4AC for a period of 25 years. The contract valued at around €100 million is effective immediately. This is the first maintenance contract for Alstom in Kazakhstan and a cornerstone for a long-standing maintenance business in the country, offering a sound basis for growth.

The KZ4ACs passenger electric locomotives run mainly between Astana and Almaty and have been in operation for 3 years. Alstom will provide maintenance in a depot in Astana, with a satellite depot to be set up later on in the south of Kazakhstan.

“Kazakhstan is a strategic market for Alstom, thanks to its geographic position, its fast economic growth and its commitment to modernisation. This order proves KTZ recognition of Alstom’s technology and trust in Alstom’s expertise as a leading global railway manufacturer,” said Henri Poupart-Lafarge President of Alstom Transport. “With this long-term contract Alstom becomes a major player for rolling stock maintenance in Kazakhstan”, added Bernard Gonnet, Alstom Transport’s Senior Vice President in charge of Russia and CIS.

Alstom is currently executing a contract which the company was awarded in 2010 by KTZ for the delivery of 200 double freight (KZ8A) and 95 passenger locomotives (KZ4A). The first locomotives will be delivered in 2012.