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The opening of a European-standard railway track between the Chop and Uzhhorod stations took place in Uzhhorod. The new 22 km section has become the first Euro-gauge project of such scale in the history of independent Ukraine. In the construction of the European railway network, products of JSC “DnSZ” for the 1435 mm track were used, namely: turnouts and interlaced turnouts on reinforced concrete sleepers, diamond crossings and fixed crossings, the development and implementation of which were carried out within the shortest possible time. Specialists of JSC “DnSZ” plan to continue providing railway operators with modern turnout products, which are essential for establishing and strengthening transport links with partner countries.

On May 21–22, 2025, JSC "Dnipro Switch Factory" became the initiator and co-organizer of the large-scale career-oriented hackathon DNSZ Rail Challenge, held at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology. Around 50 students from three educational institutions—DIIT, DMetI, and VPU-17—participated in the event. The goal of the event was to create a space for young specialists where they could apply their knowledge in practice, interact with experienced engineers, and find new directions for their future careers. Over two days, participants worked in teams on real-world production tasks: optimization of casting designs equipment operation control systems reduction of non-liquid products automation of product and order accounting Practical Experience: Excursion to DnSZ The second day of the hackathon began with an excursion to the production facilities of JSC "DnSZ", where students had the opportunity to see all stages of manufacturing switchgear products—from casting to final processing. Individual routes were developed for the participants based on their specialties. "Welding is buzzing, sparks are flying—this could be the perfect setting for Terminator 2!" joked Roman Rybalko, Deputy Director of DIIT, sharing his impressions. Results and Collaboration As part of the hackathon, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between JSC "DnSZ" and USUST, solidifying the strategic partnership between education and industry. The event concluded with final project presentations, which were judged by a panel of representatives from USUST and the management of JSC "DnSZ". Nominations and Winners: Implementation Potential — "Metallurgists" team (DMetI) Simplicity and Ingenuity — "Profitex" team (VPU-17) Data Analysis — "Rail Squad" team (DIIT) Grand Prix — "Winning Switch" team (DIIT) An important result of the hackathon was that three students have already started working at the company, continuing to develop their professional skills. Matviy Kosiak joined the IT department, Yelyzaveta Polyvoda became part of the enterprise's automation system management department, and Maxym Yanov was hired as a technician in the production planning and dispatch department. Furthermore, under the signed agreement with VPU-17, student internships will begin on June 11, 2025, providing young specialists with invaluable hands-on experience directly on the production floor. DNSZ Rail Challenge is not only about new ideas, emotions, and connections, but also about real opportunities for students to start their careers in industry. We are confident that this hackathon has great potential for further development and collaboration with educational institutions.

In honor of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, celebrated annually on April 28, a children's drawing contest titled “Workplace Safety Through the Eyes of Children – 2025” was held at the Dnieper Railway Switch Plant. The event was organized by the trade union committee in cooperation with the plant’s occupational safety department. The goal of the contest was to raise awareness about workplace safety and to help children understand the importance of protecting life and health at work. After all, children are the best motivators for ensuring safe working conditions for ourselves and those around us. Their sincerity and imagination often inspire more than any strict instruction manual. Children of plant employees aged 5 to 14 were invited to participate. Drawings were submitted to the occupational safety department by April 18. In their artworks, the young participants depicted modern production, safety rules, and protective equipment, emphasizing their importance in daily work. Based on the results, the jury selected winners in three age categories from nearly sixty participants. All children received letters of appreciation, while the winners were awarded memorable prizes and warm support from the plant's team. We are proud of our talented children and thank their parents for their enthusiasm and support of union initiatives. This contest became not only a creative event but also an important reminder: workplace safety concerns each of us — and those who wait for us at home.

SC DnSZ continues to focus its production on advanced turnout products in the segment of R65 turnouts with enhanced quality characteristics to increase speed and 60E1, 54E1, and 49E1 turnouts for the European and Asian markets, as well as components for these turnouts. Mainline turnouts for Ukrainian and foreign railways on elastic fastening systems with a 1435mm gauge. Fig.1. R65 type interlacing, 1/11 mark, 1435mm gauge to 1520mm gauge on a concrete sleeper   This development strategy is also based on studying the evolution of the railway sector in Ukraine: Infrastructure modernization: track reconstruction, construction of new 1435mm gauge routes, and implementation of new technologies to increase high-speed railway sections. Logistics centers: the creation of logistics hubs to optimize transportation processes by expanding the number of 1435mm tracks and their connection with the 1520mm gauge. International cooperation: the development of railway corridors with Europe and Asia, which can significantly strengthen foreign economic relations.     Fig.2.  Turnout, 1/11 mark, 1435 gauge on a concrete sleeper   To achieve the established goals, in 2024, various turnout projects were designed and certified for serial production, including turnouts crossing the 1520mm and 1435mm track gauges for border crossings of the Ukrainian railway to the railways of neighboring European countries, an R65 turnout with a 1435mm gauge on a reinforced concrete sleeper, and a 49E1 turnout produced for European railways.  Fig.3.  Turnout, 49E1 type, for 1435mm gauge     Fig.4. Double crossover turnout, R50 type, 1/9 mark, 1435mm gauge