The Belgian national railway operator SNCB has awarded a 12-year framework contract to Spanish manufacturer CAF for the supply of up to 170,000 seats’ worth of new railcars. The first confirmed order under the agreement covers 180 AM30-type railcars, representing approximately 54,000 seats, at a total value of €1.7 billion.
The tender process was launched in December 2022. Under the terms of the agreement, the first new vehicles are scheduled to enter service in 2030.
The AM30 series will include accessibility features such as level boarding for passengers with reduced mobility, quiet compartments, information displays, digital connectivity, and dedicated areas for bicycles. The initial order also includes battery-electric trains designed to replace current diesel multiple units on non-electrified routes.
