On September 20, 2025, at the National Railway Day event in Nymburk, Czech Republic, Alstom and freight operator ČD Cargo jointly unveiled the Traxx Universal multi-system locomotive (registration number 388.020). This locomotive is the 20th unit among the 60 of the same model purchased by ČD Cargo, and also a core equipment for its European market expansion, with exclusive decals symbolizing the cooperation achievements of the two parties attached to its body.
The delivery of the cooperation between the two parties has been launched since 2021 and will continue until 2026-2027. A key breakthrough this year is that the locomotive is equipped with an updated version of ETCS software and has been approved for regular operation. This upgrade will cover all locomotives of the same model, laying a foundation for cross-border operation. The locomotive can operate in 9 European countries (some models extended to 3 more countries), supports the installation of a "last mile" module to meet independent traction needs. It has a maximum freight speed of 160 km/h and a designed service life of at least 30 years, featuring high efficiency, reliability and energy-saving performance, with longer maintenance intervals. It can significantly improve equipment availability and support European cross-border freight transport.
Tomáš Tóth, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ČD Cargo, emphasized its core role in international expansion and thanked Alstom teams from multiple countries for overcoming ETCS certification challenges; Dan Kurucz, General Manager of Alstom Czech Republic, stated that the cooperation slogan on the locomotive is a true reflection of the collaboration between the two parties.
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