€3.4 Billion Intercity Train Order Re-evaluation Restarted, Alstom Frustrated Again

Despite Alstom's exclusion and strong opposition, Belgium's national railway company SNCB has confirmed Spain's CAF as the preferred bidder for the €3.4 billion intercity train order. After a detailed re-evaluation and legal and technical reviews, the board maintained the original ranking of CAF, Siemens and Alstom.

The contract, part of a public service agreement with the Belgian federal government, aims to modernize half of SNCB's rolling stock by 2032. The new trains will feature improved accessibility, quiet zones, real-time passenger information and digital connectivity. Earlier this year, Belgium's Supreme Court forced SNCB to re-evaluate its choice of CAF over Alstom to produce its new flagship train fleet. Now, the operator is pushing ahead with the €3.4 billion deal with the Spanish manufacturer, but political and union anger over Alstom's exclusion remains intense. CAF's involvement in the Jerusalem Light Rail has raised questions, with added contractual requirements for CAF to respect international law and human rights, complicating the controversy.