EUROWAGON Issues Safety Alert on NYMWAG Wagons, Confirmed by the Czech Railway Authority

EUROWAGON has withdrawn defective wagons produced by the Czech manufacturer NYMWAG CS a.s. from service, prioritizing rail safety. The Railway Authority of the Czech Republic confirmed receiving the SAIT safety alert.

The company officially announced that wagons found to have defects were removed from operation to ensure railway safety and address potential risks related to weld issues. RAILTARGET has obtained EUROWAGON's official statement detailing the measures taken, confirming earlier reports from a special investigation. The Czech Railway Authority also acknowledged the receipt of the SAIT safety alert regarding these wagons.

EUROWAGON Statement

EUROWAGON confirmed that in July 2024, it issued a safety alert through the SAIT (Safety Alerts IT Tool) system managed by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA). The alert highlighted serious issues with cracks in welds on the SGGRSS 80 and SGGMRSS 90 models, manufactured by NYMWAG CS a.s.

In the statement, EUROWAGON noted:
"In July 2024, through the SAIT tool (Safety Alerts IT Tool) provided by the European Union Agency for Railways, we published a safety alert regarding the Sggrss80 and Sggmrss90 wagons manufactured by Nymwag CS a.s. This alert was issued after we had identified paint coating cracks in welds near the wagon articulations. Anticipating potential weld damage, we immediately decided to withdraw all wagons with visually detectable cracks from operation and sent them for repair in collaboration with the manufacturer. Moreover, in parallel, we visually inspected all other wagons manufactured by Nymwag CS a.s. for any cracks in welds."

Railway Authority Response: An Issue of European Scope

The Railway Authority of the Czech Republic confirmed to RAILTARGET that it had received the SAIT safety alert and acknowledged that the problem has international implications involving ERA oversight.

The authority stated:
"This issue is being addressed at the European Union Agency for Railways level as it affects multiple EU countries. The wagons in question were approved by ERA. Like other European NSAs, we received the so-called safety alert highlighting this problem. We are aware that NYMWAG has taken certain measures and is addressing the issue in collaboration with ERA."

Case Overview: NYMWAG Wagon Cracks

The issue of cracks in NYMWAG wagons surfaced after an investigation by the German newspaper Der Eisenbahner, which revealed significant technical problems with the SGGRSS 80 and SGGMRSS 90 models produced by NYMWAG CS a.s. The newspaper suggested that internal process optimization might have been underestimated, potentially impacting over 1,000 wagons manufactured between 2020 and 2024 in Nymburk.

NYMWAG’s CEO, Petr Vlček, previously commented on the company’s rapid expansion strategy:
"We chose what we now call a 'punk style.' There were two options: the first was to prepare everything, set up all processes, fine-tune every detail, which would take a year or two. Then, gradually start production and approach customers. We chose the second option—to start production as soon as possible and catch up with everything during the production process."

The full EUROWAGON statement is available here:

"At Eurowagon Group, our top priority is ensuring the highest level of safety for our rail wagons. Through following strict procedures and our own certified ECM, we ensure that all our wagons are maintained in accordance with applicable maintenance systems, legal requirements, and best industry practices.

We are particularly aware of the importance of information exchange in promoting safety within the rail market, and thus, Eurowagon Group is particularly committed to compliance with Directive (EU) 2016/798 of the European Parliament and of the Council on Railway Safety. This Directive obliges all entities that may affect the safe operation of the railway system within the EU to take all necessary corrective measures to tackle detected safety hazards and to promptly report such hazards to all involved parties, enabling them to take further corrective actions to ensure continuous achievement of the safety performance of the EU rail system."

"In July 2024, through the SAIT tool (Safety Alerts IT Tool) provided by the European Union Agency for Railways, we published a safety alert regarding the Sggrss80 and Sggmrss90 wagons manufactured by Nymwag CS a.s. This alert was issued after we had identified paint coating cracks in welds near the wagon articulations. Anticipating potential weld damage, we immediately decided to withdraw all wagons with visually detectable cracks from operation and sent them for repair in collaboration with the Manufacturer. Moreover, in parallel, we visually inspected all other wagons manufactured by Nymwag CS a.s. for any cracks in welds."

"Currently, all remaining wagons, including those without visible cracks, are being systematically withdrawn and subjected to non-destructive testing to verify the integrity of their welds. Each wagon in which defects are detected is promptly repaired in close collaboration with the Manufacturer under the supervision of our specialists, in accordance with the Manufacturer’s procedures that have been verified by an independent Notified Body. This process is progressing smoothly, and many affected wagons have already been repaired, ensuring their safe operation.“

"We hope that our preventive and corrective actions serve as an example of a proactive approach and collaboration within the supply chain, setting safety standards in the European rail market.”

Source: RAILTARGET; EUROWAGON