The Belarusian train manufacturer Stadler Minsk will design a FLIRT train for climatic conditions of Turkmenistan. The idea was discussed when representatives of the Belarusian transport industry visited Ashgabat, the press service of Belarusian Railways told BelTA.

A number of promising joint projects were discussed during negotiations between Belarusian Railways Head Vladimir Morozov and Turkmenistan Railway Transport Minister Bairam Annameredov.

A representative of Stadler Rail Management Company was also present during the talks. The sides agreed that Stadler Minsk will offer to Turkmenistan the design of a diesel-driven FLIRT-type train that will be fit for Turkmenistan\'s climatic conditions. The air temperature in Turkmenistan can vary from 40C below zero to 60C above zero during the year, with sandstorms frequently observed.

During the meeting the Belarusian side presented capabilities of the railway design institute Belzheldorproyekt. The institute\'s services are in demand in the railway administrations of Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Latvia, and Uzbekistan. As a result of the visit the Belarusian railway design institute suggested carrying out design projects and training specialists in Turkmenistan together to the counterpart Turkmen railway design institute.

Representatives of Belarusian Railways said they are ready to install Belarusian railway traffic control solutions in Turkmenistan. The Belarusian side is also ready to train Turkmen specialists in how to maintain these systems. Prospects of deploying Belarusian Railways\' microprocessor-based traffic control system Neman were discussed. The system is designed to remotely control and manage railway automation devices, organize and manage the transportation process. At present Neman systems are successfully used by railways in Belarus, Estonia, and Kazakhstan.