Rostov-on-Don’s Sinara Tram: Rail Innovations & Infrastructure

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Introduction

A Sinara tram, designed for Rostov-on-Don and developed by Sinara Urban Rail Transport (Sinara-GRT), a division of Sinara Transport Machines, has arrived in the city for testing and certification. This low-floor, three-section tram is set to undergo comprehensive system calibration and technical evaluations before entering regular service.

Testing and Certification

The tram has been delivered to the tram depot for running and certification tests. Specialists will undertake comprehensive system calibration. Experienced test drivers will perform a technical shakedown, evaluating all technical specifications and operational capabilities in the urban network—initially without passengers. Upon successful completion of testing and certification, the tram will enter regular service.

Design and Features

Sergey Shunin, CEO of Sinara-GRT, emphasized that the tram for Rostov-on-Don was designed specifically for the city’s narrower tram gauge. The Urals-built Sinara tram offers up to 3 km of autonomous operation and emphasizes reliability and durability. Its structure employs a fully welded shell without a traditional tubular frame, while composite panels enhance rigidity, reduce weight, and minimize corrosion risk. Innovations deliver a 20% reduction in noise, a 15% decrease in energy consumption, and reduced track wear compared to current models. The design features an optimized traction drive with four motors instead of six, plus simplified bogie maintenance.

Passenger-centric features include a spacious interior with minimal aisle protrusions for safety, and an adaptive climate control system for ideal comfort. This model offers up to 308 positions, including up to 70 seated.

Project Overview

In April 2023, Sinara City Transport Solutions signed a public–private partnership concession agreement for the modernization and expansion of the tram network in Rostov-on-Don. The agreement covers the supply of 61 three-section light rail vehicles and the overhaul of 30 single-section trams acquired for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The city is expecting delivery of 76 three-section trams. Passenger services in Rostov-on-Don will be operated by 106 low-floor trams, including 76 new three-section vehicles.

The infrastructure component involves the construction of 119 km of tram line, including 75.3 km of entirely new tracks, the modernization of 44 km of the 1,435 mm gauge tram network, along with the renovation of 15 substations and the construction of new depots and six traction substations. The total investment is estimated at RUB 62 billion (USD 787 million), with RUB 41 billion (USD 520.5 million) allocated to infrastructure and RUB 14.6 billion (USD 185.4 million) to rolling stock overhaul. Sinara is required to contribute RUB 8 billion (USD 101.5 million).

The entire project is expected to be completed beyond 2028, with four years allocated for construction and installation. The concession agreement has a duration of 25 years. The project will be delivered in four stages. Upon completion, annual ridership is expected to reach around 60 million passengers, compared to the average of less than 7.5 million, and the average tram speed will increase from 14 km/h to 25 km/h.

Exhibition and Production Facility

The tram was unveiled at the INNOPROM exhibition in Yekaterinburg, held from 7–10 July. Simultaneously, a production facility for low-floor trams is planned for Yekaterinburg, financed by the Industrial Development Fund and VTB Bank.

Conclusion

The Sinara tram for Rostov-on-Don is undergoing testing as part of a broader project that includes infrastructure upgrades, new rolling stock, and an increase in ridership and speed. The project, with a total investment of RUB 62 billion (USD 787 million), is expected to be completed beyond 2028.

Company Summary

Sinara City Transport Solutions: Signed a public–private partnership concession agreement for the modernization and expansion of the tram network in Rostov-on-Don.

Sinara Transport Machines: The parent company of Sinara Urban Rail Transport (Sinara-GRT), which developed the tram for Rostov-on-Don. It stated that the city is expecting delivery of 76 three-section trams.

Sinara Urban Rail Transport (Sinara-GRT): A division of Sinara Transport Machines, responsible for developing the low-floor, three-section tram for Rostov-on-Don.

VTB Bank: Provides financing for a production facility for low-floor trams in Yekaterinburg.

Industrial Development Fund: Provides financing for a production facility for low-floor trams in Yekaterinburg.

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