A retro-style tram in Saint Petersburg appeared to split in half during its route on Vasilyevsky Island, drawing public attention and concern. The incident, part of russia news today, underscores persistent infrastructure issues that continue to shape daily life in Russia. Witnesses reported that the tram named “Dovlatov,” which honors the Russian writer, suffered a dramatic failure on July 16.
Tram damaged at section joint near central street
The tram was traveling on Sredny Prospekt, a major thoroughfare in the city’s Vasileostrovsky District. It reportedly bent sharply at the joint between its two sections. Photos taken by bystanders show the car visibly sagging in the middle, giving the appearance of a broken spine. The incident occurred near Shkipersky Garden, a popular public space.
Officials investigate structural cause
Transport officials from the city’s GorElectroTrans agency confirmed the tram was able to reach the depot under its own power. Specialists are currently investigating the mechanical cause of the failure. Authorities stated that tram service on Sredny Prospekt is operating as usual. The incident is being treated as isolated, although not unprecedented.
Similar failures noted in recent past
A similar breakdown was reported in May 2024 near the Gorkovskaya metro station. At the time, GorElectroTrans acknowledged a technical issue but declined to share specific details. In August of the same year, another Dovlatov tram was seen “dancing” on the same route. Officials explained that these problems often occur after the vehicles reach 6,200 miles of operation. When such issues appear, the trams are temporarily removed from service for inspection.
Trams part of nostalgic modernization push
The two-section Dovlatov trams and three-section Dostoevsky models are built by Uraltransmash, a Russian manufacturer. The project is part of a larger initiative to renew Saint Petersburg’s tram fleet while preserving historical aesthetics. A total of 76 retro trams are expected to be delivered under both leasing and direct contracts. These models are designed to offer a vintage look while operating under modern specifications, but recent incidents have raised concerns about reliability.
Retro transport and ongoing service issues
The mechanical failure of the Dovlatov tram is one of several cases contributing to ongoing debate around public transport in Russian cities. It illustrates the tension between symbolic projects and practical performance, a recurring theme in russia current events and daily life in Russia. As public infrastructure continues to age, such issues remain central in russia news today and public discourse.
