Since the beginning of the year, the number of freight trains sent using virtual coupling technology has increased 3 times on Krasnodar Railways

Over the 11 months of 2025, 7,621 freight trains were formed and dispatched on the Krasnoyarsk Railway using virtual coupling technology. This is 3 times more than for the same period in 2024.

The technology makes it possible to increase the throughput and carrying capacity of the mainline by reducing the intervals of passing trains. If conventional freight trains follow each other at a distance of at least 4-5 km, then trains in a virtual coupling can reduce the interval to 2 km. In this case, a “package” of synchronized trains (at least 2) moves as if united into one train.

In order to make the use of innovative technology possible, Krasnodar Railways has carried out a comprehensive modernization of the power supply system in recent years, as well as updated the fleet of freight locomotives.

To replace the old models, modern freight electric locomotives “Ermak” arrived at the mainline depot, which, in order to switch to a “virtual coupling”, were additionally equipped with a new software product – an intelligent automated train driving system.

The system controls location, speed, distance to the train ahead and other parameters. More than 500 Ermak locomotives are equipped with it on the Krasnoyarsk Mainline.

Data exchange between the drivers of the leading and driven trains is carried out via a secure digital radio channel – 1.2 thousand drivers and assistant drivers have received additional training.

It should be noted that virtual coupling technology is being implemented on all railways of the Eastern range of JSC Russian Railways. On Krasnodar Railways it is gradually being developed starting from 2023. During this time, more than 10 thousand such trains were carried on the highway.