NYMWAG Under Scrutiny: Two Quality Inspections Scheduled Amid Safety Concerns

As concerns over NYMWAG CS freight wagons grow, authorities are stepping up oversight. Two separate inspections will take place in February and March 2025 to assess manufacturing quality and safety compliance.

According to sources close to the Czech Rail Authority, two inspections at NYMWAG’s production facility will focus on manufacturing quality and safety compliance. The inspections are scheduled for February and March 2025, with the final deadline set for March 15. This move comes in response to rising safety concerns regarding NYMWAG CS wagons, which have drawn international attention in recent months.

Manufacturing Defects Spark Industry-Wide Investigation

Issues with NYMWAG CS wagons have been escalating. In 2024, reports emerged that some wagons suffered from welding defects. Polish freight operator EUROWAGON, which operates 168 NYMWAG CS wagons, issued a safety warning via the SAIT system after conducting internal inspections. This triggered a broader European-level investigation into the manufacturer’s production standards.

Amid growing concerns from European rail authorities, the Czech Rail Authority announced an extraordinary audit of NYMWAG CS’s manufacturing processes in December 2024. Now, confirmation of a second inspection signals an even stricter oversight of production standards.

Focus on Welding Quality of Key Wagon Models

The inspections will specifically target welding quality on the SGGRSS80 and SGGMRSS90 models, which have been criticized due to cracks in welds. The Rail Authority stressed that standard audits should occur every two years, but due to recent issues, an exceptional inspection has been mandated. The Railway Research Institute (VÚŽ) is also involved as a notified body (NoBo) responsible for assessing manufacturing quality.

NYMWAG has yet to comment on potential consequences of the audits. However, in a recent interview, EUROWAGON CEO Adam Butryn made it clear that there can be no compromises on safety or quality, stating that the situation is being addressed in collaboration with NYMWAG CS.

Source: RAILTARGET