Russian Railways: ‘We are using our capabilities in overheat mode’

Problems on the Russian railway network seem to be persistent and worsening. Reportedly, there are more and more locomotives being left unused, all the while Russian Railways (RZD) says that it is operating in “overheat mode”. The company is resorting to unpopular measures, including a stringent limitation on new wagons entering the rail network.

“The number of locomotives standing still has reached a critical level”, says Russian logistics company Optimalog on Telegram. In the Sverdlovsk oblast, no less than 200 locomotives are left unused, in Moscow the number exceeds 300, and in Siberia there are more than 60. According to RZD, the situation is caused by “a lack of rolling stock and locomotive personnel.”

As a result of a locomotive shortage, RZD can barely meet demand for transportation services. It cannot maintain. a large enough locomotive fleet due to sanctions and a lack of staff.

Overheat mode

“Understanding the needs of shippers, RZD tries to use all possible technological measures and is accepting a maximum amount of freight for transportation, using our capabilities in overheat mode”, the Russian national rail operator commented.

The lack of available locomotives is likely behind the declining loading situation in Russia. Loading is steadily decreasing, with a consistent monthly decline of around 6 million tonnes year-on-year.

Too few locomotives, too many wagons

Whereas there are not enough usable locomotives, there is no such issue when it comes to freight wagons. Russian Railways maintains that there are over 200,000 too many, which are cluttering the railway network and slowing down transportation.

For that reason, it has restricted the entry of empty wagons from railway yards onto the network. That measure is now interrupting the procedure for transporting petroleum products on the Russian network. The process of getting petroleum onto trains is now blocked, according to Russian media.

Reportedly, semi-wagons are likely to be affected next. Coal transporters will start to feel the consequences later, and consumer goods will be impacted after that. Supposedly,, operators have turned to the Russian transport ministry to warn about a threat to exports.