A new generation tram, not yet present in any other Belarusian city, has appeared in Novopolotsk

The BKM-802 model tram is one of a kind, as indicated by its factory number – 001. It was created by the designers of the "Belkommunmash" plant in collaboration with specialists from JSC "Stadler Minsk," and this development can be called the new, fourth generation of domestic trams. The experimental car significantly differs from its Belarusian predecessors in both appearance and "stuffing."

The BKM-802 model tram is one of a kind, as indicated by its factory number – 001. It was created by the designers of the "Belkommunmash" plant in collaboration with specialists from JSC "Stadler Minsk", and this development can be called the new, fourth generation of domestic trams. The experimental car significantly differs from its Belarusian predecessors in both appearance and "stuffing".

The machine is literally packed with electronics. Any malfunction is signaled to the driver on the display, which is not yet present in any other Belarusian tram. All settings are made through software. Among the technical characteristics is an improved braking mechanism, which is important for both comfortable driving and passenger safety. It should be noted that some foreign spare parts and structures previously used in tram manufacturing have been replaced with domestic ones, which

"Belkommunmash" produced on its own as part of import substitution.

The passenger compartment has also been modernized. In addition to the traditional driver call buttons on the handrails, there are additional buttons for opening the doors. The low-floor middle section of the car is even lower than in third-generation trams. It also features a wheelchair space with a fixation and driver notification system, a manually operated ramp (inclined platform), and seats for passengers with limited mobility. The car has LED lighting, which is just one of the energy-saving mechanisms incorporated into modern electric transport. The newcomer stands out from its counterparts with its bodywork as well – designers have given it a modern style.

The prototype for this innovative development was the three-section tram BMK-843, also created by Belarusian engineers for an order from Kazan. The Novopolotsk model features smaller dimensions, compactness (equivalent in capacity to a standard single car), and is a more budget-friendly option. This type of transport is intended for operation in small cities.

Currently, this new product from the domestic manufacturer can only be seen in Novopolotsk. Why did it end up in the oil city out of all the cities in the republic with a tram fleet? It can be called a logical coincidence. Last year, the Novopolotsk tram fleet was the only one among similar enterprises to order a new tram to update its rolling stock. They planned to purchase the already tested AKSM-103, but the manufacturer offered a model developed for a Russian customer. Novopolotsk transport workers agreed to be the first to test the technical novelty, and production tests of the model took place at their depot. The task of testing the car in action was entrusted to Tatyana Shelkova, a first-class tram driver with 34 years of experience. As a result, the expectations of manufacturers and buyers were met, and car 802 delivers passengers to their destinations every day.

As reported by Elena Tsikhelashvili, Head of the Electric Rolling Stock Operation Department of the Novopolotsk City Transport Unit "Tram Park", low-floor trams are generally in high demand among city residents, not only among the elderly and people with limited mobility, but also among young mothers with strollers taking their children to the clinic.

"Tram Park" Elena Tsikhelashvili, low-floor trams are generally in high demand among city residents, not only among the elderly and people with limited mobility, but also among young mothers with strollers taking their children to the clinic.

Currently, the Novopolotsk tram fleet has a total of 31 passenger cars, 11 of which are third-generation trams that have replaced old, worn-out cars. The fleet renewal was carried out within the framework of the State Program for Providing Cities of the Republic with Ground Urban Electric Transport for 2009-2013. Over time, it is planned to replace the remaining 20 cars.

In addition, as reported by the enterprise, changes are also expected in the route network. A project to extend the tram line by 3.5 kilometers to the city's central street is ready. Currently, the tram only serves the old part of the oil city and the industrial zone, which is inconvenient for those living in new buildings and working at local enterprises. In the longer term, with the construction of a bridge over the Western Dvina River, tram tracks will connect Novopolotsk with the neighboring city of Polotsk.

Natalia Ryzhkova, "Vitebskiye Vesti"