Hitachi Rail Europe: East Coast Main Line Fleet – £2.7B Contract

“East Coast Main Line modernization is underway! Hitachi Rail Europe is delivering a new 750-carriage fleet, set to replace the InterCity 225s starting in 2023.”

Hitachi Rail Europe: East Coast Main Line Fleet – £2.7B Contract
September 1, 2016 8:56 pm
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Introduction

In November 2017, the Department for Transport announced that the contract to design, manufacture, and commission a new fleet of 750 carriages for the East Coast Main Line would be awarded to a consortium led by Hitachi Rail Europe. The total value of the contract is £2.7 billion.

Contract Award and Scope

The contract, announced in November 2017, encompasses the design, manufacture, and commissioning of a new fleet of 750 carriages for the East Coast Main Line. The project’s total value is £2.7 billion. The trains are intended to replace the existing InterCity 225 fleet. The first new trains are expected to enter passenger service in 2023.

Technical Specifications

The new trains will be based on Hitachi’s existing AT300 platform. The AT300 is an electric multiple unit (EMU) design. The new fleet will be capable of operating at speeds up to 140 mph (225 km/h). The trains will be equipped with modern features, including enhanced passenger information systems, improved accessibility, and increased luggage space. The contract also includes the provision of maintenance services for the new fleet for a period of 10 years.

Stakeholders and Timeline

The contract was awarded by the Department for Transport. The procurement process began in 2015. The contract was formally signed in December 2017. The first train is expected to be delivered in 2022, with the first trains entering passenger service in 2023. The entire fleet is scheduled to be in service by 2025.

Financial and Operational Details

The total value of the contract is £2.7 billion. The contract includes the design, manufacture, commissioning, and maintenance of the new fleet. The maintenance services are for a period of 10 years. The new trains are intended to replace the existing InterCity 225 fleet. The new trains will operate on the East Coast Main Line, serving various stations and routes.

Hitachi Rail Europe contract.

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Conclusion

The Department for Transport awarded a £2.7 billion contract to a consortium led by Hitachi Rail Europe in November 2017. This contract covers the design, manufacture, and commissioning of 750 carriages for the East Coast Main Line, based on the AT300 platform. The new trains are scheduled to enter service in 2023 and will replace the existing InterCity 225 fleet.

Hitachi Rail Europe

Hitachi Rail Europe is a railway systems company. The company was awarded a £2.7 billion contract to design, manufacture, and commission a new fleet of 750 carriages for the East Coast Main Line.

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