Kazakhstan brings international standards to local service

[John Ashworth]

Pesa DMU brings international standards to local service

30 July 2012 Railway Gazette

KAZAKHSTAN: National railway KTZ has deployed a diesel multiple-unit supplied by Polish manufacturer Pesa on a daily return working between Turkestan and Shymkent.

The new unit is intended to bring 'international standards' of passenger comfort to 19 minor stations where long-distance trains do not stop.

Similar to the 630M broad-gauge units supplied to Ukraine but with a new front end and more comfortable interior, the single two-car 630Mci bought by KTZ offers 192 seats arranged 2+3, air-conditioning, passenger information screens, a wheelchair lift and an accessible controlled emission toilet.

The end to end journey time on the 188 km route is between 3½ and 4 h.