VR to sell surplus passenger carriages, diesel locomotives

National railway operator VR will put a total of 29 IC single-deck carriages and 22 so-called 'blue' carriages up for sale during the year 2024, said VR in a press release on Thursday.

The carriages being offered for sale have been removed from commercial passenger service as redundant.

While suitable for passenger traffic, these carriages are towards the end of their life cycle. The operational readiness of the carriages can be extended through maintenance and refurbishment. The carriages are not wheelchair accessible, and they do not have air conditioning.

"The carriages now being offered for sale have served as reserve equipment, and some of them have been in commercial use until December 2023. We want to contribute to promoting the growth and competition in the rail market in Finland, for example by divesting surplus diesel locomotives, passenger carriages, and station properties," said Chief Executive Officer of VR Elisa Markula.

VR will also sell five surplus rail-worthy diesel locomotives. Registration for the auction for companies and associations will begin on 15 January.

VR will soon have surplus locomotive capacity available for sale due to the discontinuation of Eastern traffic, more efficient operating models in logistics and new locomotives entering traffic.

Two Dr16 and three Dv12 diesel locomotives will be on sale, suitable for both freight and passenger transport.

Advance registration for the closed auction for companies and associations will take place on 15–31 January 2024.

The locomotives are at the end of their life cycle, but their roadworthiness can be extended with maintenance and overhaul.

In total, about 10 roadworthy diesel locomotives will no longer be needed by VR and will be put on the market by VR in 2024.

According to the current plan, more locomotives will be on sale in the autumn.