Siemens Mobility and PIMK Rail presented the smartest locomotive in the railway industry – the new Smartron.
Smartron is the most advanced development of Siemens Mobility in the field of rail transport. The locomotive which is distinguished by its elegant design and technological characteristics, perfectly adapted to the needs of the freight rail transportation, was shown for the first time in Bulgaria.
The first Smartron locomotive in Bulgaria was purchased by PIMK Rail to take over the company’s freight business. In 2016, PIMK Rail became the first Bulgarian railway operator to acquire a new Vectron from Siemens, and currently it owns and operates three such locomotives. The new Smartron locomotive bears the beautiful name Roxana.
“So far, Siemens Mobility has delivered a total of 705 Vectron and Smartrons locomotives with a total mileage of 220,000,000 km. PIMK Rail is the first railway operator in Bulgaria to have both electric locomotives Vectron and Smartron,” said Dr. Mihail Margaritov, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Mobility Bulgaria.
He recalled that for decades Siemens has been helping to modernize Bulgarian transportation systems and rolling stock by implementing the latest technologies, proven know-how and reliable solutions, including Desiro trains delivered for the Bulgarian state rail operator BDZ and the new Inspiro trains for the third metroline of Sofia. “We are now making the next important step. We believe that the first Smartron in Bulgarial will contribute to the business of PIMK Rail,” said Dr. Margaritov.
Developed on the successful Siemens’ Vectron locomotive platform, the model was unveiled at the Innotrans Berlin 2018. Smartron which weighs 83 t. is available for use in AC power system with a maximum speed of 160 km / h and a maximum output of 5.6 MW.
After obtaining the necessary permits in Bulgaria and Romania, the most intelligent locomotive in the railway industry can now operate in both markets. The Romanian railway operator EP Rail has already purchased four Smartron locomotives.