SNCF awards €3 billion train order for next generation TGVs

[Vergennes]

Alstom has received a €3 billion order from SNCF for 100 next-generation Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains for its TGV service.

Each trainset, made up of two power cars and double-deck passenger cars, will cost around €25 million, with additional funds set aside for further orders and services.

SNCF paid around €30 million per trainset for its previous generation, the TGV Duplex.

Total acquisition costs are 20 per cent lower than that of the previous generation of TGV train, according to Alstom, whose team has been working with SNCF on the new rolling stock for two years.

Each train has a modular interior and will be able to accommodate up to 740 passengers.

A predictive regime will see maintenance costs reduced be 30 per cent when compared to those currently recorded by SNCF and the new trains will consume 20 per cent less energy than existing TGVs as a result of a more aerodynamic design and regenerative braking.

According to SNCF, the order has been possible by adjusting the business model of its high-speed TGV service to win back customers, boost productivity and control production costs, and by its decision to stabilise track access fees.

Voyages SNCF managing director Rachel Picard said: “This new TGV is the standard-bearer for French high-speed rail. And what a feat: a technological breakthrough that meets all our goals for industrial performance, and a source of pride that has generated an enthusiastic response from everyone who has worked on it.”

Alstom said the new generation of very high-speed trains address SNCF’s ambitious goals in terms of competitiveness of the rail sector and profitability.

CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge added: “This order is the successful fruit of the collaborative work of SNCF and Alstom.

“Alstom’s Avelia Horizon solution meets the technological, economic and competitiveness challenges of SNCF.”

Delivery is expected to run from 2023 to 2033, generating 4,000 jobs.

SNCF Mobilités’ board of directors approved the order at a meeting on July 26.

https://www.globalrailnews.com/2018...billion-train-order-for-next-generation-tgvs/

@Nilgiri @anant_s

 

[anant_s]

Saw this news on Alstom's twitter account yesterday and it is really heartening to see SNCF not sitting on its laurels and constantly upgrading services to keep its customer base intact.
World over this story of countries investing in Rail network up-gradation and reaping rich dividends gives a lot of hope for future especially in field of high speed clean mobility. China is a prime example and so are several European countries. I do hope India too takes lesson from this and invest in de-congesting its metro cities by making long distance commute from suburbs easy and comfortable using HST technology.
@AndrewJin