PROBLEMS OF UPDATING CHINA'S LOCOMOTIVE FLEET

ПРОБЛЕМЫ ОБНОВЛЕНИЯ ЛОКОМОТИВНОГО ПАРКА КИТАЯ

Гарцуев Руслан Игоревич

студент, специальность подвижной состав железных дорог, Ростовский государственный университет путей сообщения,

РФ, г. Ростов-на-Дону

Симонова Оксана Борисовна

научный руководитель, канд. филос. наук, доц., Ростовский государственный университет путей сообщения,

РФ, г. Ростов-на-Дону

ABSTRACT

The main challenges China faces in upgrading its locomotive fleet include equipment wear and tear, production constraints, financial difficulties, and environmental challenges. Solutions aimed at modernizing the country's railway industry are described.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Основные проблемы, с которыми сталкивается Китай при обновлении парка локомотивов, включая износ техники, производственные ограничения, финансовые трудности и экологические вызовы. Описаны пути решения, направленные на модернизацию железнодорожной отрасли страны.

Keywords: locomotives, rail transport, modernization.

Ключевые слова: локомотивы, железнодорожный транспорт, модернизация.

China, as one of the leading global powers in the railway transport sector, is actively developing both high-speed rail networks and freight transport capabilities. However, the modernization of its locomotive fleet faces several challenges that hinder industry development. "Rail transport is the heart of any major economy's logistics system, and its modernization is key to enhancing the country's competitiveness," noted an expert from the Institute of Transport Studies. The aging locomotives are a major issue, with a significant portion of the fleet having been put into service a decade ago, leading to increased operating costs and reduced efficiency. Older locomotives are less environmentally friendly and require more fuel, conflicting with China's goals to reduce carbon emissions. China has substantial manufacturing capacities for producing new locomotives, yet demand for upgrading equipment exceeds supply. This is particularly critical with increasing freight volumes and expanding railway networks in remote areas. While China has made significant strides in developing high-speed trains, freight and switching locomotives require a different approach. Technologies for such locomotives must consider heightened demands for power, durability, and reliability under intensive operation conditions. Fleet modernization requires substantial financial investments. Despite government support, railway companies often face funding shortages, slowing down the procurement of new equipment and upgrades to existing ones. In the global fight against climate change, China is actively implementing eco-friendly technologies, including railway electrification and transitioning to locomotives that use alternative fuels like hydrogen. However, such projects require time and additional investments, creating additional challenges. Fleet modernization necessitates qualified specialists to service new equipment. Lack of experience among personnel and shortages of specialists in remote regions create additional obstacles. To address these challenges, China could take several steps: increasing state investments in locomotive production and procurement; incentivizing private companies to participate in production and technology development; training and retraining personnel to work with new technology; expanding international cooperation in innovation development and implementation; focusing on eco-friendly technologies, including hydrogen locomotives and electrification. Locomotive fleet modernization is a crucial task that will determine the future of China's railway industry. A comprehensive approach involving financing, technological innovation, and human resource development will enable the country to maintain its leading position in the global railway transport market.

References:

1. Институт транспортных исследований. Железнодорожный транспорт и его роль в развитии экономики. – Пекин: Издательство транспортной науки, 2023.
2. Министерство транспорта Китая. Отчет о развитии железнодорожной инфраструктуры, 2022.
3. Zhang, L., & Wang, Y. (2021). Sustainable Development of Rail Transport in China. Transportation Research Journal.