Alstom begins validation tests of freight locomotives in Azerbaijan

Alstom has launched a validation test campaign for the Prima T9 AZ8A freight locomotives in Azerbaijan, converted from 3kV DC to 25kV AC, Report says, referring to Railadvent.

“This is an important milestone in the project that we are developing with Azerbaijan Railways (ADY). We are enthusiastic about the launch of the validation, which will ultimately allow our locomotives to enter commercial service in the country. Alstom is very proud of its strategic partnership with ADY, aiming to contribute to the development of railway infrastructure and the increase of freight transportation capacity in Azerbaijan,” said Guillaume Tritter, Managing Director of Alstom in Western and Central Asia.

In 2014, Azerbaijan Railways awarded a contract to EKZ, which is Alstom’s joint venture with Transmashholding (TMH), for 50 electric locomotives, including 40 Prima T8 AZ8A freight locos, and 10 Prima M4 AZ4A passenger locomotives.

The Prima T8 AZ8A is based on the KZ8A locomotives currently in service in Kazakhstan.

Alstom’s Prima T8 is one of the most powerful electric locomotives in the world, capable of hauling up to 9,000 tons and running at 120 kph.

Over the past 20 years, more than 3,200 Prima locomotives have been sold worldwide.