photo: RAILTARGET/Production plants NYMWAG CS a.s.
Mounting concerns over faulty welds in NYMWAG freight wagons have triggered an emergency inspection. Under pressure from European authorities, the Czech Rail Authority is taking decisive action.
The Czech Rail Authority has responded to the escalating case involving weld cracks in freight wagons produced by NYMWAG CS a.s. The company, already under scrutiny by European rail institutions, now faces an additional investigation into potential deficiencies in its manufacturing processes. RAILTARGET obtained an exclusive statement from the authority.
Read more
PKP Intercity's Baltic Express offers new direct rail connections between Poland and Prague.
NYMWAG Under Investigation
The Czech Rail Authority focused on NYMWAG CS’s wagons, prompting the announcement of a special inspection directly at the manufacturer's facility. The inspection will concentrate on key production processes and verify compliance with quality systems and welding technology.
"The vehicle approval process involves two stages: the SB and SD modules. One evaluates the design, development, and type testing—essentially the vehicle’s design itself—while the other examines the quality system and production technology," explained the authority.
While regular audits occur every two years, the authority has decided on an extraordinary inspection given the seriousness of the case: "We will conduct a state audit at the manufacturer’s premises as soon as possible, involving experts responsible for quality module assessment."
The inspection will be carried out in cooperation with notified bodies (NoBo), including the Railway Research Institute (VÚŽ), tasked with assessing manufacturing quality.
What Will the Inspection Reveal?
The planned inspection is expected to uncover the root cause of the welding defects plaguing NYMWAG wagons. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management based in The Hague believes the flaws are linked to welding techniques:
"The design of these wagons dates back to the 1990s and had no such issues. The cause of the cracks lies either in the specification of the welding methods or their implementation during production. The audit will determine whether this is a structural or isolated issue and assess whether current measures are adequate for now and the future."
European Pressure Intensifies
The Czech Rail Authority’s action comes amid growing pressure from European rail bodies. Germany’s Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA) confirmed to RAILTARGET that it has launched its own investigation into NYMWAG wagons, collaborating with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) and other national safety regulators.
"Eisenbahn-Bundesamt has initiated inspection procedures. As the investigation is ongoing, we cannot disclose further details," EBA stated.
The French Rail Safety Authority (EPSF) is also urging wagon owners to act cautiously and coordinate with national rail authorities in their respective countries.
Read more
Poland is taking bold steps to build its high-speed rail future, with 100 trainsets on the table and partnerships forming. As Spanish manufacturer Talgo…
What’s Next?
The results of this inspection could have far-reaching consequences for NYMWAG CS a.s. and the broader European rail industry. The Polish Office of Rail Transport (UTK) confirmed to RAILTARGET that it would consider removing the affected wagons from service if the welding defects are verified.
"If relevant information confirms welding defects in the SGGRSS80 and SGGMRSS90 wagons operated on the Polish rail network, the UTK president will initiate proceedings to withdraw these wagons from operation," UTK stated.
Recap of the Case
A German report from Der Eisenbahner first uncovered the faulty weld issue involving NYMWAG CS a.s. wagons (SGGRSS80 and SGGMRSS90 models). The investigation found that the defects pose a serious safety risk.
Polish company EUROWAGON issued a safety warning via the SAIT system and began repairing the defective wagons in cooperation with NYMWAG. In response, European rail authorities—including VPI, EPSF, EBA, and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure—are coordinating actions to address the safety concerns following established procedures.
Read more
Berlin and Paris are now connected by a direct ICE service, enhancing European rail travel with speed, sustainability, and comfort.
Source: RAILTARGET; Der Eisenbahner