Wabtec Corporation has signed a landmark USD 4.2 billion contract with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway operator of Kazakhstan, marking the largest single locomotive order in Wabtec’s history. Under this major agreement, Wabtec will deliver its Evolution Series locomotives, specially designed to withstand Kazakhstan’s extreme climate and diverse terrain, as part of KTZ’s ambitious fleet renewal and expansion programme.

Beyond supplying new locomotives, Wabtec will also provide comprehensive maintenance and service support for both the newly acquired and existing fleets. These long-term service agreements aim to boost reliability, operational availability, and cost efficiency across KTZ’s network.

Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Talgat Aldybergenov, CEO of KTZ, stated that Kazakhstan’s strategic location makes it a vital hub for Eurasian transit. He added that this agreement underscores the company’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge transport technologies and strengthening the nation’s railway engineering and industrial capacity.

The signing ceremony, attended by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, emphasized the political and economic significance of the deal, which not only deepens bilateral cooperation but also reinforces Wabtec’s footprint in Central Asia.

This new collaboration will support KTZ’s strategy to enhance connectivity along the Middle Corridor trade route linking Europe and Asia, aligning with the country’s long-term vision for sustainable and efficient rail transport.

Rafael Santana, President and CEO of Wabtec, expressed pride in the partnership, noting that the relationship with KTZ has played a key role in transforming Kazakhstan’s rail industry for over two decades. “This historic agreement reflects KTZ’s forward-thinking vision for its rail network as a bridge between Europe and Asia,” Santana said. “By providing advanced locomotives and long-term service solutions, Wabtec is proud to contribute to Kazakhstan’s growth, helping unlock the region’s potential and strengthening the nation’s engineering expertise.”