Alstom Wins €500M Deal: High-Speed Trains for Germany

Alstom has secured a significant contract worth approximately €500 million to supply 26 additional Coradia Max double-decker trains to Baden-Württemberg’s public rolling stock agency, SFBW. The deal, which includes a comprehensive 28-year maintenance agreement, will equip the state’s regional network with Germany’s fastest regional trains in preparation for the landmark Stuttgart 21 infrastructure project.

Main Body:

Alstom and Landesanstalt Schienenfahrzeuge Baden-Württemberg (SFBW), the state agency managing rolling stock, have finalized an order for 26 additional Coradia Max trains. This new order is an extension of a 2022 framework agreement that initially included 130 trains with an option for up to 100 more. The latest contract, valued at around €500 million, not only covers the manufacturing of the new fleet but also secures a full-service maintenance agreement until 2055, ensuring long-term reliability and performance. The trains are slated for delivery by the end of 2028 and will be deployed across the Stuttgart-Bodensee network (Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the 35 railway network), serving key Regionalexpress and Metropolexpress lines operated by DB Regio Baden-Württemberg and Arverio.

Engineered for speed and capacity, the Coradia Max for Baden-Württemberg sets a new standard for regional travel in Germany with a maximum operating speed of 200 km/h. Each four-car train is 106 meters long and features a unique hybrid composition of two double-deck control cars and two single-deck intermediate cars, providing a total of 380 seats. This configuration, capable of multiple-traction operation, is designed to maximize passenger flow and comfort. The interior is equipped with a range of amenities, including dedicated lounge areas, conference compartments for business travelers, and family-friendly zones. Accessibility is a core design principle, with wide single-leaf doors, step-free access from standard 760mm platforms, and onboard lifts for wheelchair users at stations with varying platform heights.

This fleet expansion is a cornerstone of Baden-Württemberg’s ambitious transportation strategy, which involves a total investment of approximately €3 billion in 156 new Coradia Max trains. According to Winfried Hermann, the state’s Minister of Transport, this investment places the region “at the forefront in Germany” and is critical for enhancing transport services following the commissioning of the Stuttgart 21 rail hub. The trains are technologically future-proofed, equipped with modern signaling and automation systems to operate within the “Stuttgart Digital Hub,” a pilot project for advanced digital train control that forms an essential part of the broader Stuttgart 21 modernization.

Key Takeaways

• Long-Term Investment: The €500 million deal includes a 28-year maintenance contract, highlighting a strategic partnership between Alstom and SFBW for the entire lifecycle of the assets.
• Stuttgart 21 Integration: The new fleet is purpose-built to leverage the increased capacity and speed of the modernized Stuttgart 21 rail network, promising significantly improved regional connectivity.
• Digital-Ready Fleet: Equipped with advanced signaling technology, the trains are prepared for the “Stuttgart Digital Hub,” making them integral to Germany’s push towards railway digitalization.

Editor’s Analysis

This order solidifies Alstom’s position as a key partner in one of Europe’s most significant public transport modernization projects. The deal is more than a simple rolling stock transaction; it represents a comprehensive, long-term solution that aligns vehicle technology with massive infrastructure upgrades. The Baden-Württemberg model—where a state-owned entity (SFBW) procures and owns the fleet, then leases it to operators—is a growing trend that ensures standardized quality and strategic control over regional assets. By investing in 200 km/h, digitally-enabled trains, the state is not just replacing old stock but is actively setting a new benchmark for what regional rail can be: a high-speed, high-capacity, and technologically advanced alternative to other modes of transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Coradia Max trains has Baden-Württemberg ordered in total?

With this latest order for 26 units, the total number of new Coradia Max trains ordered by the state of Baden-Württemberg as part of this initiative reaches 156.

What is the total value of the contract?

The contract for the 26 additional trains and their maintenance until 2055 is valued at approximately EUR 500 million.

What makes these Coradia Max trains special for the region?

They are the fastest regional trains in Germany with a top speed of 200 km/h and are equipped with modern signaling technology to integrate with the new “Stuttgart 21” rail hub and the “Stuttgart Digital Hub” project.