In late July 2026, the Kolomna Plant successfully completed the acceptance trials of the new 16GDG gas-diesel generator, marking a major milestone in the modernization of Russia’s heavy-haul railway fleet. Designed for the 3TE30 mainline freight locomotive of the future, the new powerplant boasts a high output and the capacity to operate on both diesel fuel and natural gas. This feature greatly decreases fuel consumption while ensuring full performance. An initial installation batch of 100 units has been approved for manufacture, following successful testing.
Successful Completion of Acceptance Trials
The acceptance trials were conducted at the Kolomna Plant under the supervision of a commission that included representatives from Transmashholding (TMH), Russian Railways (RZD), and specialized railway research institutes. The commission confirmed that the new engine completely complied with all technical specifications established for the project after assessing the generator’s performance through a comprehensive testing program.
The engine documentation was granted the O1 design approval designation after the trials were successfully completed, indicating that it was prepared for pilot production.
A Powerful 3.3 MW Dual-Fuel Powerplant
The 16GDG generator is capable of producing 3,300 kilowatts (3.3 MW) of power and is engineered to function in two distinct modes. It is capable of operating entirely on conventional diesel fuel or in a dual-fuel gas-diesel cycle, which involves the primary energy source being natural gas and a small amount of diesel fuel being injected to ignite the mixture.
The engine’s capacity to substitute up to 89% of diesel fuel with natural gas is one of its most major advantages. Railway operators can significantly reduce fuel expenses during long-distance freight operations by using natural gas, which is significantly less expensive than diesel.
In contrast to many alternative-fuel systems, the 16GDG preserves its power output in both operating modes. This guarantees that locomotives are not reliant on a continuous gas refueling infrastructure. The locomotive can seamlessly transition to conventional diesel operation without compromising performance or reliability in the event that LNG facilities are unavailable.
Based on the modern D300 engine platform
The TMH Engine Engineering Center developed the new generator by using the lates D300 engine platform from the company, which boasts a 26/28 bore and stroke configuration (ChN26/28).
Compared to the most used 18-9DGM engine, the engine uses a 26/26 configuration, the larger cylinder dimensions and increased piston stroke result in a higher displacement and output while maintaining long-term reliability and service life.
The engine has been specifically designed to operate new heavy freight locomotives that are equipped with two power units. This configuration allows the locomotives to transport freight trains weighing up to 7,100 tonnes over routes with steep gradients, particularly on the Baikal-Amur Mainline and the strategically significant Eastern Railway Polygon in Russia.
The new generator’s design life has been extended by engineers to 40 years, which surpasses the operational lifespan of previous locomotive engines and reduces long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
Digital controls and modern engineering
Despite the fact that the 16GDG is based on the decades of operational experience that has been acquired from the proven D49 locomotive engine family, the new design incorporates a multitude of engineering enhancements.
The engine output has been substantially increased, necessitating the installation of more powerful oil and water pumps to enhance the lubrication and cooling systems. Additionally, the reliability of continuous heavy-haul operation has been enhanced through the redesign of nearly all auxiliary systems.
The adoption of a fully electronic fuel and gas injection system is one of the major innovations. Sophisticated electronics precisely regulate the quantity of diesel and natural gas delivered to each cylinder, as opposed to relying solely on mechanical controls.
A control system that is microprocessor-based continuously optimizes combustion, manages fuel delivery, performs real-time diagnostics, monitors engine health, and automatically safeguards the powerplant against aberrant operating conditions. These digital capabilities simplify maintenance and reduce unexpected downtime, all while enhancing fuel efficiency.
Built entirely from Russian components
The 16GDG program is distinguished by its complete dependence on components that are manufactured domestically. Every significant component of the gas-diesel generator is manufactured in Russia, which is consistent with the nation’s long-term strategy of technological sovereignty and import substitution in critical transportation sectors, as per the developers.
The project also reflects the Kolomna Plant’s extensive modernization over the past several years, which has resulted in the company’s capacity to manufacture next-generation locomotive engines exclusively from domestic supply chains. This has been achieved through the acquisition of advanced testing facilities and new production equipment.
Developed with the 3TE30 Heavy Freight Locomotive in mind
The 16GDG is the focal point of the new 3TE30 heavy freight locomotive program in Russia. In contrast to conventional diesel locomotives, the 3TE30 will be composed of three interconnected portions.
The two outer sections will each be equipped with a 16GDG 3.3 MW gas-diesel generator, while the central section will contain a huge liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank that will provide fuel to both engines. This configuration enables the locomotive to optimize its utilization of natural gas while simultaneously maintaining the capacity to operate on diesel as needed.
The locomotive’s operational range is approximately 4,500 kilometers, as the onboard LNG supply has been designed to provide sufficient fuel to transport large freight trains in both directions along the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) without refueling. It is expected that this endurance will improve operational efficiency in Russia’s eastern freight corridors by decreasing the number of fueling stops and increasing the availability of locomotives.
The first two production-standard 16GDG engines were transported to the Bryansk Machine-Building Plant (BMZ) in the summer of 2026 for integration into the prototype 3TE30 locomotive. The assembly and testing of the new locomotive are expected to conclude before the end of the year, with the addition of two engines.
A New Era in Heavy-Haul Railway Technology
The 16GDG has officially entered the production phase, as the first engines have been delivered for locomotive assembly, acceptance testing has been completed, and sanction has been granted for an initial production run of 100 gas-diesel generators.
The new generator is one of the most technologically advanced locomotive powerplants developed in Russia due to its 3.3 MW output, 100% domestic manufacturing, advanced electronic engine management, and a 40-year service life, which allows for up to 89% diesel substitution with natural gas.
The 3TE30 program is anticipated to equip Russian Railways with a more powerful and cost-effective heavy-haul locomotive that can transport larger loads over extended distances at reduced operating costs, as freight volumes continue to increase along the Eastern Railway Polygon and the Baikal-Amur Mainline. In addition to its commercial advantages, the project underscores Russia’s ongoing commitment to domestically developed transport technologies. It consolidates both industrial self-reliance and economic efficacy by integrating indigenous engine engineering with alternative-fuel propulsion.