A double-decker Skoda train (photo by the press service of Ukrzaliznytsia)

In the project of the state budget for 2026 funds are provided for the purchase of 100 railway cars worth about UAH 5.7 billion, including the first modern double-decker passenger car. About reported Ministry of Finance.

According to Deputy Minister Oleksandr Kava, the double-decker passenger cars will significantly optimize passenger transportation costs.

"Maintenance costs for single- and double-deck cars differ by about 10%, while the number of seats in a double-deck car increases by almost 80%. This means that with comparable operating costs, the company will be able to carry significantly more passengers," Kava said at a meeting with the management and members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (ACC), as well as representatives of Ukrainian business.

In the future, Kava says, the range of double-decker cars will include options for both night service with sleeping berths and day service with seats.

Over the past five years, the government has purchased 166 modern Ukrainian-made passenger railcars, which have already been put into service Ukrzaliznytsia Kava noted.

The state order of Ukrzaliznytsia JSC within the framework of the public investment project "Purchase of Passenger Railcars" provides for the purchase of 366 railcars, including 200 railcars in 2026-2027, said press service of the Kryukov Carriage Works.