Four Norwegian train sets were on Saturday, February 24, handed over to representatives from the Ukrainian state railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, at Mantena's workshop in Grorud. Mantena has prepared the trains, which will now get a new lease on life in the war-torn country.
The four diesel train sets of type 92, which no longer operate on Norwegian tracks, will now continue their service on the Ukrainian railways. Rail transport has been crucial in the war against Russia, providing transportation of equipment, food, military personnel, and, not least, civilians. At Mantena, we are impressed by the efforts of our railway colleagues in Ukraine.
The train sets were handed over to employees of the Ukrainian state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia, in Mantena's workshop hall at Grorud. They will now receive training in maintenance, operation, and driving of the trains from Mantena and SJ Nord. Present at the event were, among others, Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide (Labour Party) and Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård (Labour Party).
– There is a great deal you can use trains for, and therefore the train can both directly and indirectly help Ukraine maintain its resolve to resist. And we say it every day, but especially now as it is the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion, that Ukraine's struggle is also our struggle, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Mantena has prepared the trains destined for Ukraine, on behalf of Norske tog, which owns the train sets. At the workshop in Marienborg, Trondheim, both light and heavy maintenance has been carried out, ensuring that the trains can run 200,000 kilometers before the next major maintenance.
– Train maintenance is an important part of a country's preparedness and infrastructure. This assignment demonstrates how proper maintenance extends the service life of rolling stock and ensures access to critical transport equipment even in times of crisis. For us at Mantena, the task of preparing the trains for Ukraine has been extremely meaningful, says Silje Holestøl, Director of Strategy and Sustainability at Mantena.
Type 92 is a German-manufactured diesel multiple unit delivered in 1984 and 1985. The almost 40-year-old train sets, which in recent years have been operated by SJ, have now largely been replaced by the newer type 76. However, good maintenance means they can continue to serve for several more years.
Norske tog and the Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning have overseen the preparation of the trains, transportation of trains and equipment, and training of Ukrainian train personnel. SJ Norge, DSV Norge, and Mantena have also contributed to the process. The Norwegian train donation will be used in western Ukraine, where the infrastructure has the same track gauge as in Norway.
– The fact that Mantena has carried out this maintenance means an incredible amount. The trains have been well maintained over time, but we are now finishing them off so that they are in really good condition. Mantena and all the people who work at Mantena deserve great credit for their contribution, says Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård.