Alstom bags €1.4 billion contract from SNCF Voyageurs to supply 30 Very High Speed Trains

Saint-Ouen, France (Metro Rail Today): In a landmark development for Europe’s high-speed rail sector, the Board of Directors of SNCF Voyageurs has approved an additional order for 30 new-generation Avelia Horizon very high-speed trains from Alstom, valued at nearly €1.4 billion, along with options for up to 20 more units.

The new order concerns the four-voltage international version of the Avelia Horizon trains, designed to operate seamlessly across Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, including through the Channel Tunnel to London’s St. Pancras International Station — marking the first-ever double-deck high-speed train capable of such cross-border service under the Eurostar brand.

The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031.

A Sustainable Leap in European High-Speed Rail

The Avelia Horizon trains, jointly developed under an innovation partnership between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom, represent the next generation of eco-efficient, high-performance, and passenger-centric mobility.

Each trainset, equipped with two compact high-performance power cars and nine articulated double-deck coaches, can reach a top speed of 320 km/h and accommodate over 1,000 passengers when operated in multiple units.

Key performance highlights include:

• 20% reduction in energy consumption through aerodynamic design and optimized traction.

• 30% lower maintenance costs due to modular components and predictive maintenance systems.

• Reduced operating costs per seat, offering enhanced efficiency and capacity for international operators.

Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, stated:

“By choosing Avelia Horizon to renew its fleet, Eurostar is confirming its desire to combine technological performance, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort. This new-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”

This latest tranche expands the existing framework agreement between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom, now covering 145 trains — 115 previously ordered (100 for domestic service in France and 15 for international operation) and the newly approved 30 units.

French Engineering Excellence Driving European Mobility

The Avelia Horizon project underscores the depth of French rail manufacturing expertise, with ten national Alstom sites contributing to the design and production:

• Belfort: Power cars

• La Rochelle: Passenger cars and project management

• Villeurbanne: Control-command and passenger information systems

• Ornans: Traction motors

• Le Creusot: Bogies

• Tarbes: Traction systems and electrical cabinets

• Toulouse: Electrical development

• Petit-Quevilly: Transformers

• Saint-Ouen: Design and signalling

• Valenciennes: Interiors and components

Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, noted:

“Thanks to the involvement of ten national sites, we are once again demonstrating the excellence of French rail know-how and our ability to meet the challenges of sustainable mobility in Europe.”

To meet growing domestic and international demand, Alstom is investing €150 million to expand production capacity across multiple French sites.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, commented:

“Alstom’s Avelia Horizon order marks a defining moment for the evolution of Europe’s high-speed rail industry. The train’s energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and multi-country interoperability represent the future of long-distance rail travel. For countries like India, which are rapidly advancing high-speed rail development, such initiatives offer valuable insights into building sustainable, technologically advanced, and globally connected transport ecosystems.”

Avelia Horizon: The Future of Sustainable High-Speed Travel

Alstom’s Avelia platform, covering speeds from 200 to 350 km/h, remains one of the most versatile in the world, with over 1,000 trains operating in 25 countries, crossing 22 international borders.

With this latest order, SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom reaffirm their joint commitment to shaping a greener, faster, and more connected Europe, setting new benchmarks in passenger experience and sustainable transport innovation.