SNCF Advances Network Modernization with €600M Alstom TGV Order and Pandrol Track Tech Approval

Paris, France – In a significant dual advancement for France’s national railway, SNCF has placed a €600 million order for 15 new-generation Avelia Horizon high-speed trains from Alstom, while its infrastructure arm, SNCF Reseau, has officially approved Pandrol’s sustainable Under Sleeper Pads for network-wide use. These developments signal a comprehensive strategy to upgrade both rolling stock and the foundational track infrastructure for enhanced performance and sustainability.

Main Body:

SNCF Voyageurs has confirmed a major investment in its future fleet with a firm order for 15 additional Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains from manufacturer Alstom. The contract, valued at approximately €600 million, will see the new TGVs delivered in 2029. This order reinforces SNCF’s commitment to modernizing its passenger services with state-of-the-art equipment. In parallel, on the infrastructure side, SNCF Reseau has granted full approval to Pandrol for its Under Sleeper Pads (USPs). This crucial certification follows an exhaustive period of technical and in-situ performance testing, confirming the product meets the stringent requirements for operation across the French national railway network.

The new Avelia Horizon trains represent a leap forward in high-speed rail technology. The order specifically calls for the quad-voltage version, designed to meet diverse European traffic requirements and enable seamless cross-border operations. Each trainset is composed of two innovative, compact locomotives that deliver high performance, combined with articulated double-decker passenger cars to maximize capacity. Meanwhile, Pandrol’s USPs introduce a key element of sustainability and durability to the track itself. Produced from recycled rubber, these pads are designed to improve track quality, reduce vibrations, and extend the lifecycle of track components like ballast and sleepers.

These concurrent announcements highlight a strategic, two-pronged approach by France’s national railway operator. The Alstom order directly addresses the need for modern, efficient, and interoperable rolling stock to serve a growing passenger market. Simultaneously, the approval of Pandrol’s USPs signifies a significant milestone for the infrastructure supplier in the competitive European market. It underscores SNCF Reseau’s focus on integrating sustainable, high-performance materials into its track maintenance and renewal programs, ensuring the underlying network is robust enough to support the next generation of high-speed services.

Key Takeaways

• Major Fleet Investment: SNCF is investing €600 million to acquire 15 new-generation, cross-border capable Avelia Horizon high-speed trains from Alstom.
• Sustainable Infrastructure Upgrade: Pandrol’s Under Sleeper Pads, made from recycled rubber, are now approved for use across the entire French rail network, enhancing track resilience.
• Holistic Modernization: The moves demonstrate a comprehensive strategy to upgrade the French railway by investing in both advanced rolling stock and the foundational track technology simultaneously.

Editor’s Analysis

This dual development from SNCF is more than just a procurement exercise; it’s a clear statement on the future of European rail. By pairing a multi-million-euro order for advanced, interoperable trains with the approval of sustainable, lifecycle-extending track components, SNCF is building a more resilient and environmentally conscious railway ecosystem. The focus on recycled materials like those in Pandrol’s USPs, alongside the operational efficiency of Alstom’s new TGVs, shows a mature understanding that next-generation rail is not just about speed, but about whole-system sustainability. This holistic approach sets a benchmark for other national operators, proving that long-term network health requires parallel investment in what runs on the tracks and the tracks themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Avelia Horizon train?

The Avelia Horizon is Alstom’s new generation of very high-speed train, known in France as the TGV. The version ordered by SNCF is a quad-voltage model designed for European cross-border traffic, featuring two compact locomotives and double-decker cars.

Why is the approval of Pandrol’s Under Sleeper Pads significant?

The approval by SNCF Reseau certifies that the USPs meet France’s high operational standards. It allows for the widespread use of a component made from recycled rubber that improves track stability and longevity, aligning with industry-wide sustainability goals.

When are the new Alstom trains expected to be delivered?

The 15 Avelia Horizon trains from this order are scheduled for delivery in 2029.