Lukashenko to review development of domestic passenger transport production

“I see some of them on the streets. They are beautiful,” the head of state noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko was shown the line of passenger vehicles produced by domestic enterprises, including electric buses and a trolleybus with autonomous running. These included electric buses and a trolleybus with autonomous running. One of the new items is an 18-meter articulated electric bus, now in trial operation.

The President drew attention to the importance of ensuring unconditionally high product quality. “The vehicles are beautiful, the design is not bad. When they move, it is a pleasure to look at them, but if there is no quality, there can be no conversation. We have a five-year period of quality. The vehicles must be high-quality,” the Belarusian leader stressed. “"We need a quality product. If you see you cannot do it, better not to do it.”

As for exports, contractual obligations on deliveries must be fulfilled promptly and on time. The President was briefed on the decisions taken, including those of a financial nature, to ensure the schedule is strictly met.

Another task is continuing work on import substitution of individual components and assemblies. “We are proud to be an industrial country. Let them make them,” the President said.

He drew attention to an important factor - ensuring discipline in production. The question of quality depends directly on this. “There should be no talk of discipline at all. The demand for this will be the harshest. I am watching this very closely,” the President stressed.

Aleksandr Lukashenko was briefed on the development prospects of BKM Holding. It was noted that the equipment is becoming ever more complex and, consequently, more expensive.

The enterprise works not only for the domestic market but is thoroughly export-oriented. At the moment, for instance, there is an upward trend in demand for trams. In some years, up to 98% of its output was supplied to foreign markets. Positive export growth is also expected this year.

“There are no handouts. This is money that has been earned,” the head of state concluded.

BKM Holding Director General Mikhail Symanovich confirmed that this is indeed the case. “We work on Saturdays. In certain sections, in three shifts,” he said.

The company manufactures innovative products, including a three-section tram car and suburban electric buses. BKM Holding is also working on a project to introduce an unmanned tram.

The head of state reviewed the assembly line and the components base in use. The production of battery systems for electric transport was discussed in detail, including whether domestic or imported samples are better and what the prospects are, along with a number of other devices and equipment. Imported components are partly used, and Aleksandr Lukashenko once again reminded those present about import substitution in the areas where it is possible. “Everything we can produce, we must produce. Both for you and for your suppliers,” the President set the task.

There have already been notable successes in this regard. “We have built up our competencies. When you visited us in 2009 [Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Belkommunmash in January 2009], we were already producing tram cars. But back then, to make a tram, we bought a German bogie [the running gear of a car], which cost €350,000. And we bought German or Polish electrical equipment so that this bogie could work. Now we have reached the point where we have developed a bogie of our own design, we produce it and install it on trams. We also produce the power electronics ourselves,” said the BKM Holding director general.

Domestic engines for trolleybuses and trams have likewise been put into production. 

Belarusian public transport manufacturers also cooperate among themselves. For example, BKM Holding and Minsk Automobile Plant are carrying out a joint project in which electrical equipment produced by BKM Holding is installed on a MAZ body.

The head of state discussed with the officials responsible in the government and enterprise heads current production issues, the implementation of joint programs and approaches to coordinated work on foreign markets.

Aleksandr Lukashenko inspected finished samples of tram equipment. Among them was a three-section low-floor tram car being built for Chelyabinsk, where a hybrid underground-and-surface metro-tram system is under development. It combines conventional tram tracks and underground tunnels.

The President instructed those present to look into this experience in Minsk as well, to study it thoroughly and work out whether, with certain modifications, this equipment could be adapted for domestic needs in metro operations. Again, there is potential here for import substitution.

The head of state also expressed a desire to personally try out modern tram equipment made by BKM Holding. Especially since, in recent years, the tram tracks themselves have been modernized along with the new rolling stock. As a result, travelling by this mode of transport is becoming much more comfortable for passengers.

“I need to take a ride on a tram like that in Minsk somehow. I want to ride on the new line, on the new rails, in this tram. Because I remember from Soviet times, I travelled by tram quite regularly. People didn’t like them [because of the noise, the difficulty of getting on and off the old high-floor cars and other such nuances], but it was a very convenient form of transport. So I want to see what the difference is,” the President said.