The moniker Burevestnik holds major historical importance within Russian railway tradition. It was formerly associated with a renowned express train operating between Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod during the Soviet period. Decades later, the brand reemerges in an entirely new incarnation—currently as a contemporary double-deck high-speed passenger train engineered for heavily trafficked intercity routes. The revitalized Burevestnik combines nostalgia with contemporary practicality, striving to substantially enhance passenger capacity while elevating comfort, convenience, and the overall travel experience.
A New Era of Double-Deck Coaches
The new Burevestnik features a dual-level railcar configuration, representing one of the most effective approaches to adding capacity without increasing the number of trains on a route. By increasing vertical capacity rather than horizontal, the train is able to accommodate significantly more passengers than conventional single-deck rolling stock. According to the design specifications, a comprehensive configuration may comprise up to fifteen vehicles with a seating capacity of approximately 1,190 passengers.
Enhancing capacity alone would be insufficient for the needs today’s travelers. Nowadays travelers expect the capacity to function and remain connected throughout extended journeys. For this reason, the designers furnished each seating area with standard electrical outlets, USB and Type-C connections, as well as individual lighting and call buttons for attendants. These features render the train suitable for both leisure travel and for individuals who depend on mobile devices for work while in transit.
Performance and Operational Efficiency
The Burevestnik is engineered to achieve maximum speeds of up to 160 km/h, a figure that aligns well with Russia’s current rail infrastructure. Although this speed does not fall within the category of ultra-high-speed bullet trains, it is well-suited for regional intercity routes, effectively balancing travel duration with energy efficiency and maintenance requirements.
On routes such as Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod—where distances are well-suited for medium-speed trains—Burevestnik offers a major reduction in travel time relative to traditional long-distance trains. The resulting travel experience has also been improved to be more seamless, contemporary, and competitive with car and bus transportation.
Interior Design Emphasizing Comfort and Ergonomics
The interior of the new train has been among its most prominently featured aspects in Russian media coverage. The seats are engineered with enhanced ergonomic features, providing adjustable reclining positions and a more generous configuration for luggage. LED illumination, acoustic insulation, and climate control systems establish a more comfortable environment for extended intercity travel.
In addition to regular seating, the train’s design also includes sleeper compartments equipped with mattresses for passengers seeking more privacy or undertaking overnight journeys. These sleeper sections are designed to appeal to a broader demographic—including business travelers, families, and vacationers.
Contemporary multi-purpose toilet modules have been implemented throughout the train, with certain formations providing as many as three lavatories per trainset—a big improvement over older rolling stock. The train attempts to achieve a harmonious balance among functionality, robustness, and an aesthetically pleasing interior design that conveys a warmer and more inviting atmosphere compared to conventional minimalist styles.
Exterior Design and Brand Representation
The exterior livery of Burevestnik features an elegant blend of grey, white, and deep green components, establishing a visual identity that sets the train apart from conventional Russian Railways rolling stock. The silhouette of a petrel, the bird after which the train is named, serves as a symbolic motif on the body.
This branding extends beyond mundane decoration—distinctive visual design plays a crucial role in positioning Burevestnik as a premium intercity transportation provider. For travelers checking departure boards or platforms, a distinctive color scheme facilitates recognition and reinforces the emotional association with the restored name. Media photographs and reports from initial presentations emphasized the visual attractiveness of the train, noting the immediate public interest in both its color scheme and its aerodynamic design.
Bogies and Running Gear: What is Known
One of the technical foundations of Burevestnik is its coaches—the double-deck cars—which have been validated in accordance with the technical regulations (TR TS 001/2011) and have been built according to current standards by the Tver plant (a division of the holding responsible for supplying rolling stock to the national operator).
The particular variant of the double-deck vehicle used by Burevestnik is designated as 61-4492.
Regarding the bogies (wheelsets/truck assemblies) of these double-deck coaches, they constitute an integral component of the certified construction of the new 61-4492 vehicles, specifically engineered to fulfill the demands present-day intercity service, including travel comfort, stability, and compatibility with Russian broad-gauge track.
Although comprehensive public technical documentation regarding the specific bogie model—such as axle configuration, suspension type, and wheel diameter—is not widely communicated through media summaries, the certification of the coaches’ conformity under TR TS demonstrates that their bogies comply with all safety, stability, and comfort standards necessary for intercity operation at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
The evaluation of the running gear for the new double-deck Burevestnik train was explicitly identified as a component of its pre-service testing. During a single testing session in October 2025, experts from the manufacturer conducted track trials to assess the performance of the running gear—a routine procedure to confirm that bogies, suspension, braking, and other mechanical systems operate correctly under load.
In summary: the bogies and running gear are modern, certified, and thoroughly tested—however, publicly accessible sources do not (yet) disclose highly detailed specifications (such as suspension type, precise axle load, or wheel diameter).
Traction: Locomotive or Engine Propelling Burevestnik
The EP20 is a six-axle, dual-system electric locomotive manufactured by TMH at the Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant (NEVZ). It was collaboratively developed through a partnership between Transmashholding and Alstom and was first unveiled in 2011. The design objective was to develop an advanced passenger locomotive capable of operating under both primary Russian electrification standards—3 kV DC and 25 kV AC—in order to enhance route flexibility without necessitating locomotive transfer when transitioning between electrification zones.
The EP20, which has a power of 7,200 kW and uses asynchronous traction motors and IGBT-based converters, can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and can reliably pull long-distance passenger trains, even in tough weather. Its power, compatibility with dual systems, and advanced traction technology render it a compelling option for transporting high-capacity, double-deck trains such as Burevestnik.
Because Burevestnik is essentially a rake of double-deck passenger coaches rather than a self-propelled multiple unit, it relies on a conventional locomotive for traction—and the EP20 meets these requirements effectively: dual-system electrification, adequate power, modern traction technology, and compatibility with Russian broad-gauge infrastructure.
Although the most recent public statements regarding Burevestnik highlight the double-deck carriages, bogies, certification, and passenger comfort, they do not consistently specify a designated locomotive type. However, considering the current fleet and operational procedures in Russia, EP20 locomotives are actively employed in passenger service and are inherently suitable for heavy, long-distance, high-capacity trains—indicating that Burevestnik trains are (or will be) likely to be hauled by EP20s, or at minimum, that EP20 is among the designated traction types.
Initiation of Service: Testing, Certification, and Initial Operations
Prior to commencing full-scale operations, the Burevestnik underwent comprehensive testing, encompassing high-speed trials, endurance assessments, and dynamic evaluations of the running gear. During one of the test runs in late October 2025, the vehicle departed from the manufacturing facility and operated on an actual track within the Tver region to assess its suspension, bogies, stability, and vibration levels. Engineers validated the braking efficacy, interaction with trackside equipment, and overall reliability under operational conditions.
Following the issuance of certification (coaches obtained conformance certificates under TR TS) and successful trials, the train commenced pilot operation on the Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod line. Regular commercial services commenced on 3 December 2025.
Routes were scheduled three times daily in each direction, substantially enhancing the availability of high-capacity intercity rail services for passengers.
Possible future expansion— the operator has publicly disclosed intentions to augment the number of cars per train from the initial 10 to 15, thereby increasing capacity further (to nearly 1,200 seats) in upcoming seasons.
Economic and Operational Benefits
From a transportation planning standpoint, the Burevestnik presents several distinct advantages:
Increased capacity with a reduced number of trains. A double-deck configuration is capable of transporting nearly twice the number of passengers compared to a standard single-deck train, thereby minimizing the necessity to augment train frequency during peak hours.
Enhanced use of infrastructure. Railways are capable of accommodating a greater number of passengers without increasing the number of time openings on already congested lines.
Enhanced allocation of passengers. For routes experiencing peak demand, such as Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod, Burevestnik aids in alleviating congestion, minimizing ticket lineups, and enhancing overall service efficiency.
Improved passenger experience. Enhanced seating, advanced climate control systems, contemporary charging ports, and more hygienic facilities collectively elevate the quality of intercity rail travel.
For Russia, where numerous intercity routes are classified as medium-speed, such enhancements directly impact customer contentment and may potentially encourage travelers to prefer rail transportation over cars or buses.
Infrastructure Specifications and Modifications
Operating a double-deck high-speed train necessitates certain additional considerations. Platform elevations must correspond to the locations of the boarding doors, and overhead clearances must accommodate the increased height profile of the vehicles. Although Burevestnik’s height and gauge compatibility were engineered in accordance with Russian railway standards, comprehensive inspection of each route remains imperative.
Maintenance facilities also necessitate modifications: double-deck vehicles possess distinct arrangements for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refuse management systems. Technicians have to use specialized platforms and tools to access higher-level systems, and supply chains must be structured to accommodate the new category of equipment and spare parts.
Nevertheless, Russian railway infrastructure—particularly on key intercity routes—is already well-developed, facilitating a seamless and cost-efficient integration of Burevestnik.
Digital Transformation and Passenger Experience
The contemporary Burevestnik is distinguished by its emphasis on digital accessibility and passenger comfort. It provides individual electrical outlets in addition to USB and Type-C charging ports, allowing travelers to maintain power to their devices throughout the voyage. Conveniently accessible luggage compartments contribute a practical element, while improved climate control and contemporary restrooms elevate the overall travel experience.
Ergonomically engineered reclining seats finalize the upgrade, establishing an environment akin to a mobile office or a comfortable leisure. For many passengers, especially professionals, these features have transitioned from mundane luxuries to indispensable tools for maintaining connectivity and productivity while on the move.
Looking ahead, Burevestnik intends to expand its services by introducing café vehicles and increasing the number of sleeper cabins. These enhancements seek to appeal to a wider spectrum of travelers, evolving the train from a basic commuter service into a flexible intercity transportation solution capable of accommodating diverse travel requirements.
Safety, Reliability, and Technical Standards
Contemporary rail standards mandate thorough assessments of stability, braking performance, and emergency readiness. Burevestnik has undergone testing under diverse conditions to verify adherence to safety standards. The double-deck configuration did not diminish the safety rating; rather, advancements in modern materials, enhanced load distribution, and upgraded control systems have reinforced the train’s reliability.
Regular inspections and a planned maintenance approach further promote sustained operational stability over the long term. In emergency situations, well-defined evacuation routes are incorporated into the design for both levels.
Cultural Significance and Public Perception
In addition to its practical advantages, the reestablishment of the Burevestnik name holds significant symbolic significance. It connects Soviet-era railway traditions with a new generation of hauling stock. For many Russians, the name elicits a sense of nostalgia, whereas the contemporary design signifies advancement and revitalization.
Public response during initial presentations and preview excursions was predominantly favorable. Passengers and railway devotees valued the comfortable interiors, contemporary amenities, and striking exterior design. For the areas served by the train, the new service represents enhanced mobility, advanced infrastructure, and a growing commitment to intercity transportation.
Conclusion: A Strategic Advancement for Russia’s Intercity Rail Transportation
The new double-deck Burevestnik is more than simply an upgraded train—it embodies a strategic initiative to address the increasing demand for comfortable, high-capacity intercity transportation in Russia. It effectively combines a proven double-deck design with enhanced seating capacity and contemporary digital amenities, all while preserving optimal velocities suitable for regional routes. Passenger comfort is improved throughout, reinforced by a cohesive visual identity and branding that links the train’s distinguished heritage with its modern features.
Equipped with contemporary, certified bogies and running gear, Burevestnik represents a deliberate balance between tradition and innovation. Its inauguration on the Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod route indicates the commencement of a potential broader deployment. If the train’s performance aligns with expectations, it could serve as a model for comparable services along Russia’s most heavily traveled intercity routes.
Because the carriages and bogies have undergone comprehensive testing and certification to satisfy current standards, Burevestnik exemplifies a promising model of contemporary intercity passenger rail. It provides millions of travelers with a more comfortable, efficient, and modern rail experience, laying the foundation for the future of Russian rail transportation.