Minsk Launches 20 New Low-Floor T811 Trams

Minsk is actively modernizing public transport: 20 innovative low-floor trams of domestic production have been put into operation in the capital of Belarus

Major overhaul of the tram fleet

As part of the program to modernize Minsk’s transport infrastructure, the city authorities have purchased 20 modern low-floor trams produced by “BKM Holding.” This information was confirmed by the director of the “Capital Transport and Communications” enterprise, Yuri Supranovich, in an interview with the “Minsk-News” agency. “The new units are already undergoing the necessary breaking-in and technical tuning. Many of them can be seen by residents and guests of the capital on city routes as early as today,” Supranovich noted.

Advantages of modern equipment

The main advantage of the new T811 tram model is its fully low-floor design, which provides a barrier-free environment for passengers. The absence of steps considerably simplifies boarding and alighting for all categories of passengers, especially for elderly people and those with limited mobility. The technical specifications of the new units are impressive:

• Ceiling height in the cabin — over 2.5 meters, creating a sense of spaciousness
• 35 comfortable passenger seats
• USB ports for charging devices at every seat
• Modern climate control system: air conditioning in summer and 8 electric heaters for winter heating
• Nominal capacity — 112 people (maximum — 159 people)
• Powerful traction electric motors of BKM Holding’s own design (total power 288 kW)
• Autonomous range of up to 5 km without an external power source in emergencies

Elements of driverless control

Special attention is drawn to the driverless driving elements implemented in the new trams. As reported by the Deputy General Director of BKM Holding, Alexander Kazakevich, the level of automation will only increase in the future. At this stage, the vehicles are equipped with the “Antison” system, which monitors the driver’s condition. Artificial intelligence allows routes to be digitized for automatic regulation of maximum speed on different road sections depending on road conditions.

Comprehensive transport system upgrade

The acquisition of new trams is part of a large-scale program to renew public transport in the Belarusian capital. Currently, the average age of rolling stock in the tram depot is about 16 years, and the city authorities plan to systematically rejuvenate the fleet. In addition to trams, in 2025 the streets of Minsk will also see:

• 44 new electric buses
• 90 trolleybuses with extended autonomous range

As noted by the Chairman of the Minsk City Council of Deputies, Artem Tsuran, significantly more budget funds have been allocated for the renewal of the transport fleet in 2025 compared to the previous year. “The main changes we expect are, first of all, the renewal of transport. A substantial budget for 2025 has been planned, which is much larger compared to 2024. Special attention is paid to updating the tram fleet, since previously there was high-floor transport. All other ground transport is already low-floor. The planned update will continue,” Tsuran emphasized.

Development of the tram network in Belarus

It is worth noting that tram transport operates in four cities of Belarus: Minsk, Mozyr, Vitebsk, and Novopolotsk. Notably, the new low-floor T811 models currently arriving in the capital will soon be sent to Vitebsk as well. In Novopolotsk, the possibility of laying new tram tracks is being considered, which would be the first such project in the country in almost 30 years. The city executive committee has already initiated public discussions on this matter.

Resumption of service on routes

Alongside the arrival of new vehicles, tram service is being restored on previously closed sections. Thus, from May 3, 2025, tram routes No. 3, 4, and 5 have resumed operation on the section from Krasnaya Street to the “Ozero” dispatch station. Service on this section was suspended from mid-March due to construction work on the new metro line. The modernization of Minsk’s tram fleet with modern low-floor units of domestic production is an important step in the development of the city’s transport infrastructure. The new equipment not only enhances passenger comfort but also makes public transport more accessible for all categories of citizens, including persons with disabilities, while the introduction of automation and artificial intelligence elements brings Minsk closer to world-leading standards in urban mobility.