SNCB Ends Long Dispute, Awards AM30 Train Contract to CAF

Post by : Saif

Belgium’s national passenger rail operator, SNCB, has finally confirmed a major train purchase after months of legal delays and public debate. On December 19, the SNCB board officially approved a long-term contract with Spanish train maker CAF for the supply of its new AM30 train fleet.

This decision ends a difficult and slow tender process that began nearly three years ago and faced strong legal challenges from rival manufacturers. With this confirmation, SNCB can now move ahead with one of the largest fleet renewal projects in its history.

A Major €1.7 Billion Deal

The contract is a 12-year framework agreement. It starts with a firm order worth €1.7 billion for 180 new trains. These include both electric trains and battery-electric trains. Together, they will be able to carry around 54,000 passengers.

The deal also gives SNCB the option to buy many more trains in the future. If all options are used, the total order could grow by up to 380 additional units, increasing total passenger capacity to around 170,000. This makes the AM30 programme a key part of Belgium’s future rail system.

According to the contract, the first new AM30 trains are expected to enter passenger service in 2030.

Replacing Old Trains, Improving Comfort

The new AM30 fleet will gradually replace older trains that are becoming less reliable and more expensive to maintain. SNCB says the new trains will bring clear benefits for passengers across the country.

The trains will include step-free access, making travel easier for people with reduced mobility, elderly passengers, and parents with strollers. Quiet zones will allow passengers to travel without noise, while information screens will provide real-time travel updates. Wi-Fi will be available on board, and there will be dedicated space for bicycles.

An important change is the introduction of battery-electric trains. These will slowly replace diesel trains, helping SNCB reduce pollution and move toward cleaner transport.

A Tender Process Full of Delays

The story of the AM30 contract began at the end of 2022, when SNCB launched a tender to buy new 160 km/h electric multiple-units running on Belgium’s 3 kV DC network. The goal was to replace many older train types with fewer, more modern designs.

CAF was named the preferred bidder on February 28, 2025. SNCB explained that CAF offered the best balance between price and quality. While another bidder proposed a lower price, CAF’s technical quality scored higher.

However, the choice quickly became controversial. French manufacturer Alstom, which has factories in Brugge and Charleroi, argued that the contract should support local jobs. Some politicians also questioned why SNCB did not choose a company with production facilities in Belgium.

SNCB responded that European Union procurement rules do not allow public companies to favor local manufacturers over foreign ones.

Court Challenges and Re-Evaluation

Alstom challenged SNCB’s decision in court, and the administrative court temporarily suspended the contract award in April. The judges said SNCB had not clearly explained how it evaluated the technical quality of the bids.

After further legal and technical review, SNCB announced on July 23 that its original ranking had not changed. CAF remained first, followed by Siemens Mobility and then Alstom.

SNCB also stated that all bidders had mentioned working with local service providers. It said CAF would be invited to explore this option further. In addition, the SNCB board asked CAF to confirm that its operations respect international law and human rights standards.

In September, the court finally rejected appeals from both Alstom and Siemens Mobility. This cleared the way for SNCB to officially confirm the contract.

CAF’s Growing Role in Benelux

After the confirmation, CAF highlighted its strong presence in the Benelux region. In recent years, the company has won contracts to supply metro trains to Brussels, metro trains and trams to Amsterdam, and trams for cities such as Luxembourg, Utrecht, Antwerp, Liège, and Belgium’s coastal line. CAF has also delivered more than 200 commuter trains to Dutch operator NS.

These projects helped strengthen CAF’s position and experience in the region, which SNCB likely considered during its evaluation.

A Turning Point for Belgian Railways

The final approval of the AM30 contract marks a turning point for SNCB. After years of planning, debate, and legal battles, the operator can now focus on delivering modern, comfortable, and cleaner trains for Belgian passengers.

While the decision may still disappoint some local stakeholders, it follows EU rules and closes a chapter that delayed much-needed upgrades. For passengers, the message is clear: better trains are on the way, even if they will take a few more years to arrive.

#trending #latest #SNCB #BelgianRailways #CAF #AM30Trains #RailNews #PublicTransport #GreenTransport #EuropeanRail #TrainModernisation