An experimental heavy-haul train weighing 8,000 tons has been launched in Russia, traveling from Khakassia to Zabaykalsky Krai. The project is being implemented by RZD as part of the program for developing heavy-haul traffic on the Eastern Polygon.
The train is made up of innovative open-top wagons with increased carrying capacity and is pulled by a four-section "Yermak" electric locomotive. The train travels from Chernogorskiye Kopi station to Karymskaya, overcoming difficult terrain sections, including the Dzheb-Shchetinkino stretch in the Eastern Sayan Mountains with an altitude difference of up to 220 meters.
Along the entire 2452 km route, the movement is accompanied by a specialized traction-energy laboratory. It records the operating parameters of the locomotive, catenary, and traction substations under increased loads.
Currently, coal trains weighing up to 7,100 tons are regularly dispatched from Khakassia to the east. If the tests confirm the calculations, railway workers will be able to increase the weight of trains and thereby boost transportation volumes without increasing their number.
