Voevoda: Russia’s High-Speed Tram Revolution in Urban Rail

Russia Unveils “Voevoda”: A High-Speed Tram Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

In a significant leap forward for Russian rail transport, Transmashholding (TMH), in collaboration with PC Transport Systems, presented the “Voevoda,” the first Russian high-speed tram, at the InnoProm -2025 International Industrial Exhibition held in Ekaterinburg from July 7 to 10. This marks a pivotal moment in the country’s urban transport strategy, with mass production of the 71-952 model slated to commence in 2026. The unveiling, attended by high-ranking government officials, highlights the project’s national significance and its potential to reshape city transit. The Voevoda, designed to serve major metropolitan areas and routes with high passenger demand, aims to offer a modern, efficient, and comfortable alternative to traditional urban transport solutions, improving efficiency, reducing congestion, and enhancing the overall passenger experience. The “Voevoda” aims to establish a new standard for urban transport in Russia, integrating the capacity of a metro with the flexibility of a tram.

The Voevoda’s Innovative Design and Features

The Voevoda tram represents a significant engineering achievement. As Russia’s first five-section, fully low-floor high-speed tram, the 71-952 model incorporates dual-side access and two driver’s cabs. Measuring 37.5 meters long, it boasts a capacity of up to 400 passengers, including 72 seated. Furthermore, its modular design allows for expansion to a seven-section configuration, increasing total capacity to 500 passengers. The vehicle’s design focuses on passenger comfort and efficiency. It features 14 doors, including 10 double doors, evenly distributed for rapid boarding and alighting. The interior offers increased space, with a wider cabin and a spacious boarding zone. Passengers can enjoy a modern, refined interior with panoramic windows, ergonomically designed seats, heated zones, and dedicated spaces for bicycles, pushchairs, and passengers with reduced mobility. In-window display panels and the advanced driver assistance system using domestic artificial intelligence technologies further enhance the tram’s efficiency and safety.

Revolutionary Bogie and Maneuverability

A key innovation of the Voevoda lies in its bogie system. Employing four bogies, two of which are swivel types, the tram achieves exceptional maneuverability. This design allows the Voevoda to negotiate curves with a radius as tight as 16 meters, making it suitable for routes previously inaccessible to conventional trams. This unique characteristic expands the tram’s operational capabilities, enabling its deployment on a wider range of urban routes, including those lacking traditional turning loops. This advancement signifies a significant improvement in urban light rail engineering, addressing long-standing limitations in track layout and design. The Voevoda’s adaptability to challenging track configurations underlines its potential for widespread adoption across diverse cityscapes.

Localisation and Technological Independence

The Voevoda’s development underscores Russia’s commitment to technological independence and domestic manufacturing. PC Transport Systems (PC TS) invested over RUB 2.3 billion (approximately USD 29.25 million) between 2022 and 2024 to expand production capabilities and bolster technological autonomy. This investment has resulted in a localisation rate of 95%, with crucial components like engines and gearboxes, previously imported, now entirely produced domestically. The tram’s construction is distributed across three PC TS facilities: the Tver Mechanical Plant of Electric Transport, the Nevsky Electric Transport Plant in St. Petersburg, and the Engels Electric Transport Plant in Engels. This strategic approach not only strengthens the Russian rail industry but also reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, enhancing supply chain resilience.

Enhanced Safety and Energy Efficiency

Safety and sustainability are central to the Voevoda’s design. The tram integrates a driver assistance system utilizing domestic artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This system continuously monitors road conditions through cameras and sensors, tracking speed and anticipating risks. It provides alerts to the operator and can automatically apply smooth braking when needed. Additionally, a driver fatigue monitoring system is in place, automatically halting the tram if inattention is detected. Energy efficiency is another critical aspect of the Voevoda’s performance. The tram features a regenerative braking system and adaptable battery modules, enabling autonomous operation for up to 15 km at speeds of up to 25 km/h under standard conditions. With high-capacity batteries, the range can extend up to 100 km. This combination of safety features, automation, and energy-saving technologies positions the Voevoda as a leading-edge urban transit solution.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the Voevoda tram marks a significant milestone for the Russian railway industry, presenting a state-of-the-art, high-speed, and energy-efficient solution for urban transit. Its innovative design, high passenger capacity, advanced safety features, and commitment to domestic manufacturing position it as a game-changer in the light rail segment. The strategic partnership between Transmashholding (TMH) and PC Transport Systems has successfully brought this vision to life. The tram’s ability to navigate challenging urban environments, combined with its enhanced passenger comfort and integrated intelligent systems, promises to improve the efficiency and attractiveness of urban mobility in major Russian cities. As the Voevoda undergoes final trials and prepares for mass production in 2026, it signifies a new era in Russian urban rail, with potential implications for international markets. The successful implementation of this project could inspire similar advancements in urban transport across the globe, making cities more efficient and sustainable. The “Voevoda” could represent a significant shift in railway engineering and operations.