By Olivier Acuña Barba •
Revealed: 23 Jul 2025 • 15:33
• 2 minutes learn
A Spain practice builder has been granted the chance to resume and develop Belgium’s practice fleet | Credit score: Ottignies ©SNCB
The Spanish practice producer CAF has outbid all different opponents, profitable a 3.4 billion-euro contract to construct tons of of trains to resume Belgium’s railway fleet, the Nationwide Railway Firm of Belgium (SNBC) stated on Wednesday by way of a press launch. The choice has not handed with out controversy, as native unions are involved over home employment.
SNBC goals to resume not less than half of its fleet by 2023 and enhance it the place attainable to satisfy an anticipated rise in passenger demand, in accordance with the press launch.
“The 2023-2032 Public Service Contract concluded with the Belgian State in December 2022 stipulates that fifty per cent of the SNCB fleet might be renewed by the tip of this era, particularly to satisfy the anticipated progress in passenger numbers, enhance buyer consolation, and change growing old, breakdown-prone rolling inventory with extra versatile, energy-efficient rolling inventory,” the corporate acknowledged.
CAF can ship on time and level
CAF outbid the opposite two bidding finalists as a result of the Belgian firm believes it will probably ship the brand new railcars on time, as it’s of the very best precedence for the nation.
“The Board of Administrators accredited the choice and the award standards and launched a European name for tenders for a framework contract for the supply of recent railcars, together with 54,000 seats as a part of an preliminary order,” the corporate added.
They defined that each one new trains should supply all the mandatory consolation for passengers, together with autonomous accessibility for individuals with decreased mobility, quiet zones, data screens, connectivity, and adequate house for bicycles.
“The order will even embrace battery-powered trains meant to interchange the present diesel railcars ultimately,” SNBC stated.
One of many necessities within the bidding guidelines referred to as on the producers to say the usage of native service suppliers.
The Board of Administrators has instructed administration, as a part of the continued discussions with the popular bidder in preparation for the ultimate award choice, to request affirmation from CAF that its actions adjust to worldwide regulation and human rights.
Wednesday’s affirmation follows the Belgian Council of State’s non permanent suspension of NMBS’s choice to nominate CAF because the top-ranked bidder in February 2025, Belga Information Company reported.
Sparking controversy
In response, NMBS re-evaluated its choice and issued a brand new justification consistent with the Council’s ruling. The corporate has acknowledged that the unique rating of the bidders—CAF, Siemens, and Alstom—stays unchanged following additional authorized and technical evaluation.
The Belgian information company additionally stated the choice to award the contract to CAF has sparked controversy in Belgium.
“Commerce unions and native politicians have criticised the exclusion of the French producer Alstom, warning that this might jeopardise the way forward for its Bruges manufacturing facility, which employs tons of of individuals,” they famous. “Critics argue that the SNBC’s choice fails to prioritise home employment.”
Negotiations with CAF are ongoing, and the SNBC board has ensured they are going to see formal affirmation with the Spanish firm that its operations don’t have an effect on native employment.