CAF Secures €300M 30 Civity EMUs for Belgrade

BELGRADE, SERBIA – The state-owned railway company Srbijavoz has awarded a contract valued at over €300 million to Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF. The agreement covers the supply of 30 new electric multiple units (EMUs) for commuter services in Belgrade. The deal also includes a provision for full maintenance of the fleet for a two-year period.

What Does This Contract Cover?

The contract requires CAF to design, manufacture, and deliver 30 Civity platform EMUs to replace aging rolling stock on Belgrade’s BG Voz network. Each three-car unit is designed for a maximum speed of 120 km/h and will have a total capacity of 546 passengers, with 204 seated. The scope also includes a comprehensive two-year maintenance package, intended to ensure high availability and service quality as the new fleet is introduced.

Key Contract Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Contracts?

This fleet renewal contract focuses on physical assets, a common investment priority in regions upgrading legacy infrastructure. In contrast, other national operators are prioritizing digital systems. For example, Indian Railways recently awarded a contract to Avantel for a Real-Time Train Information System (RTIS) using satellite communications, focusing on operational data rather than rolling stock (Source: Developing Telecoms, 2024). The CAF Civity platform competes directly with other major European EMU products like Alstom’s Coradia Stream and Siemens Mobility’s Desiro family, both of which have secured numerous contracts for suburban and regional services across the continent. The total investment figure for Serbia’s broader urban rail modernization in 2025 has not been publicly detailed.

Editor’s Analysis

This procurement is a key component of Serbia’s wider national strategy to modernize its public transport infrastructure, extending beyond the railways. The investment aligns with parallel efforts such as the recently completed fleet modernization for the national carrier, Air Serbia, which enhances commuter and international travel by air (Source: Aviation Week). By focusing on core assets like rolling stock for its capital city, Srbijavoz is addressing fundamental reliability and capacity issues before potentially layering on more complex digital systems seen in other markets. The deal solidifies CAF’s position in the Balkan region, building on its previous tram contract in Belgrade from 2009.

FAQ

Q: What specific network will these new CAF trains serve?
A: The 30 new EMUs are designated for the BG Voz suburban network in Belgrade. This system connects the city center with key terminals such as Ovča, Batajnica, and Resnik, as well as more distant towns south of the capital.

Q: What is the delivery timeline for the new trains?
A: The contract announcement did not specify a delivery schedule or an expected in-service date for the new Civity trains. This information has not yet been publicly disclosed by either CAF or Srbijavoz.

Q: Is this CAF’s first project in Serbia?
A: No, this is CAF’s second major contract in the Serbian capital. The company was previously awarded a contract in 2009 to design and manufacture 30 trams for Belgrade, which are currently in commercial service.