Nuclear-Powered Locomotives! Are Two Russian Giants Jointly Developing Them?

In early January 2026, Russian Transmashholding and the Kurchatov Institute announced a joint project to develop a new generation of traction locomotives equipped with small nuclear power units, aiming to provide a revolutionary power solution for rail transport. The project plans to integrate a compact nuclear steam generation system into the locomotive platform, offering a theoretical range of tens of thousands of kilometers. It is particularly suited for non-electrified railway lines and could significantly improve the efficiency of long-distance transport.

However, the R&D plan soon stirred controversy. On January 19, TMH issued an official clarification stating that nuclear-powered locomotives are not currently on the company’s agenda, related technology remains far from practical application, and no formal decision has been made in this regard. The company also retracted the earlier statement made by CEO Kirill Lipa at a forum regarding the launch of such development.

Nuclear-powered locomotives are not an entirely new concept. The Soviet Union developed a fast-neutron reactor locomotive for a railway missile system in the 1980s, which was later discontinued due to international treaties. The renewed interest is largely attributed to advances in small modular reactor technology, which has significantly improved in terms of size, weight, and safety, opening new possibilities for nuclear energy applications in rail transport.