A Hitachi/Alstom joint venture has won contracts to supply a fleet of 225-mile-per-hour electric trains for the UK’s new HS2 high-speed railway (HS2).
The contracts – worth around £2bn – will see the partners design, build, and maintain a fleet of 54 trains for the megaproject.
Manufacture of the 200-metre long trains is set to begin in 2025, HS2 Ltd said in a statement.
The first train is expected to roll off the production line around 2027. Following a rigorous process of testing and commissioning, the first passengers are expected to be carried between 2029 and 2033.
The trains will be built for the first section of track from London Euston station to Birmingham in central England.
They will also run on the existing network to places such as Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and the North West.
Building on the latest technology from the Japanese Shinkansen ‘bullet train’ and European high-speed network, they will be some of the fastest, quietest, and most energy efficient high-speed trains operating anywhere in the world.
Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd chief executive, said: “Today is a massive day for HS2. The trains that will be built in Derby, Newton Aycliffe and Crewe will transform rail travel – offering passengers unparalleled levels of reliability, speed and comfort and help in the fight against climate change.
“I’d like to congratulate Alstom and Hitachi and I look forward to working with them as together we bring these exciting new trains to passengers across the UK.”
Andrew Barr, Hitachi Rail chief executive, said: “We are excited to be pioneering the next generation of high speed rail in the UK as part of our joint venture with Alstom.
“This British-built bullet train will be the fastest in Europe, and I am proud of the role that Hitachi will play in helping to improve mobility in the UK through this project.”
Nick Crossfield, Alstom managing director, UK & Ireland, added: “HS2 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Britain by building a sustainable transport system fit for the 21st Century.
“I am delighted that Alstom’s joint venture with Hitachi Rail has been selected to develop, build and maintain in Britain the next generation of high-speed trains.”
Alongside design, manufacturing and testing, the contracts also included 12 years of maintenance which could be extended in the future to cover the estimated 35-year life of the rolling stock. The fleet will be maintained at a new maintenance depot being built by HS2 Ltd at Washwood Heath on the outskirts of Birmingham.
Image credit: HS2
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