Alstom, the ‘smart and sustainable mobility’ company, has signed a framework contract with Norske Tog (NT) for up to 200 Coradia Nordic regional trains. Valued at over 1.8 billion euros, the contract is the most significant rail procurement in Norway’s history. The first firm order of 30 trains is worth 380 million euros.

Delivery of Norske Tog’s new ‘Class 77’ regional trains is scheduled to begin in 2025. Once in service, this new fleet will begin operations as a suburban and fast rail service, connecting Ski and Stabekk in the greater Oslo region.

Rob Whyte, managing director of Alstom Nordics, said: “We are truly pleased that Norske Tog has selected Alstom to build their future fleet of trains. We are proud to contribute to increasing capacity on busy lines in the Oslo and Viken area.

“The chosen Coradia Nordic trains are fully suitable for Norwegian weather conditions. Furthermore, this order confirms Alstom’s leading position in Norway, as we are already equipping the entire Norwegian fleet with a new signalling solution.”

The Coradia Nordic for Norske Tog has been specially adapted to meet the needs of the Norwegian rail network. It has a top speed of 160kph, and each train will consist of six single-deck coaches for a total capacity of 778 passengers, offering 40% greater capacity than the trains they replace. The new trains will be equipped with the latest ETCS signalling system; this features a world-first advanced odometry solution designed for the harshest winter conditions.

Nearly 300 Coradia Nordic trains have been delivered to customers in Nordic countries so far. Alstom will assemble the trains for Norske Tog at its site in Salzgitter, Germany. There will be a project office undertaking project and contract management, product commissioning, testing, documentation, training and warranty located in Norway.