Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Launches EUR 1 Billion Rail Modernization Program

The European Investment Bank is appraising a loan of up to EUR 500 million for a regional rolling stock program in France. The initiative, managed by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, has a total eligible cost exceeding EUR 1 billion and encompasses the procurement of new trainsets and the mid-life overhaul of existing fleet assets.

As part of the program, SNCF Voyageurs has placed a EUR 125 million order with Alstom for 10 Omneo Regio2N double-decker electric multiple units. These trains are scheduled for delivery between June and October 2027 and will augment the region’s current fleet of 59 similar units, primarily to increase passenger capacity around the Lyon metropolitan area.

The project also includes the acquisition of three dual-mode electric/hydrogen multiple units intended for operation on non-electrified routes. A substantial portion of the financing is allocated to the mid-life refurbishment of 169 existing electric and dual-mode units from the regional fleet.

To support the expanded fleet, a new maintenance facility will be constructed at the existing depot in Clermont-Ferrand. The overall fleet modernization is structured to facilitate the competitive tendering of regional services, in line with the liberalisation of France’s domestic passenger rail market.