Opportunities for the enhancement of the rolling stock of ŽPCG and AD MONTECARGO
On 9th September 2025, a meeting was held at the premises of ŽPCG AD Podgorica, where the possibilities for the renewal of the rolling stock were discussed. The meeting was attended by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Sava Ašanin, representatives of AD Montecargo: the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Miroslav Brajović, the Executive Director, Dušanka Dragojević, the Director of the VV and TKP Sector, Milorag Lukić, representatives of ŽPCG: the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Goran Simović, the Executive Director, Dragana Lukšić, the Director of the Technical Services Sector, Radovan Mrdak, and the Assistant Executive Director for Train Traction, Drago Durović, as well as representatives of the Railways of the Republic of Srpska: the Acting Executive Director, Mladen Božić, the Assistant Executive Director for Freight Transport, Predrag Spasić, and the Director of the Train Traction Sector, Predag Pecikoza. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Romanian company SC Reloc S.A. Craiova (Romania): the General Director, Dorin Andrei Soare, the Sales Director, Pirvulescu Megdonia, the Advisor to the General Director, Petrescu Liviu, and Tibi Savu, Associate – Translator.
The topic of the meeting was the consideration of the potential for the renewal of the rolling stock and the presentation of the modernisation of electric locomotives of series 461. Representatives of SC Reloc S.A. Craiova (Romania) presented the modernised locomotives 461 with improved performance and a higher degree of energy efficiency, which are already in use in Romania and can be used for both passenger and freight transport.
It is significant to emphasise that the greatest benefits of modernising electric locomotives of these series include the improvement of their performance, particularly regarding maximum tractive effort (up to 400 kN), an increase in locomotive power from 5,100 kW to 6,000 kW, with energy savings of up to 30%, and a locomotive availability in operation of 98%.
During the meeting, participants exchanged experiences, discussed the technical and financial aspects of modernising locomotives and wagons, including maintenance possibilities and employee training. Representatives of ŽRS, AD Montecargo, and ŽPCG highlighted the need for the presented higher-powered locomotives, expressing interest in the estimated costs and options for long-term maintenance.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to consider the implementation of the proposed projects, including a visit to the SC Reloc S.A. Craiova (Romania) facility in the near future, when a trial run of the modernised locomotive of series 461 will be organised.
Future topics for discussion with representatives of the SC Reloc S.A. Craiova (Romania) factory will relate to the consideration of the refurbishment and modernisation of passenger and freight wagons, as well as the construction of new passenger and freight wagons. Due to the significance of these topics, the Ministry of Transport will, in cooperation with the passenger (ŽPCG AD) and freight (AD Montecargo) operators, consider the proposed initiatives and necessary resources, along with the adoption of a strategy and directions for further action.