TGV-M, the new generation of very high-speed trains developed by Alstom for SNCF Voyageurs, has received authorisation for placing into service from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA).
The first trains will enter a pre-commercial testing phase on the French rail network this summer, ahead of carrying their first passengers in early September.
The authorisation confirms that TGV-M complies with European safety and interoperability requirements. The decision marks one of the final milestones before the train enters commercial service under the TGV INOUI brand operated by SNCF Voyageurs.
SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom welcomed the decision following a certification and testing programme that began in 2023. The complete approval dossier was submitted in December 2025 and subsequently assessed by the European railway authority.
First deliveries begin in June
According to the deployment schedule agreed by SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom, deliveries of trains intended for commercial operation will begin at the start of the summer. The first two trainsets will be delivered from June, with the fleet expected to grow to six trains by the end of August and 13 by the end of the year.
Before entering passenger service, the trains will undergo a pre-commercial running phase under real operating conditions on the French national rail network. This period will allow operators to validate the onboard experience, familiarise operational staff with the new trains and complete final adjustments.
SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom have decided to reinforce the introduction process through several weeks of pre-commercial operations involving hundreds of employees from both companies.
First passengers expected in September
The first TGV-M trains operating under the TGV INOUI brand are expected to welcome passengers at the beginning of September, coinciding with the start of the new school year in France. The pre-commercial phase will support the gradual introduction of the first six trainsets into regular service.
“This authorisation marks the culmination of a long-term industrial project and the final step that now allows us to focus on the launch for our customers. Our priority is to ensure the successful commercial introduction of this revolutionary TGV,” said Christophe Fanichet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SNCF Voyageurs.
“Obtaining ERA authorisation for placing into service is a significant achievement. It reflects the quality of the certification dossier and the commitment of the teams involved since the testing phase. Together with SNCF Voyageurs, we will continue supporting the gradual deployment and ramp-up of the TGV-M fleet,” said Martin Sion, Chief Executive Officer of Alstom.
A new generation of high-speed trains
TGV-M is the result of an innovation partnership between SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom and represents a new chapter for the TGV INOUI high-speed offering.
The train has been designed to deliver higher capacity, lower maintenance costs and reduced energy consumption. In its maximum configuration, TGV-M can accommodate up to 740 passengers, representing a 20% increase in capacity compared with previous generations.
SNCF Voyageurs and its subsidiary Eurostar have ordered a total of 160 trains: 130 for SNCF Voyageurs and 30 for Eurostar, with an option for a further 20 units.
Lower energy consumption and maintenance costs
According to SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom, TGV-M is built using 97% recyclable materials and is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 32%. The train is also designed to cut maintenance costs by 30%.
Its more aerodynamic design, including the distinctive black elliptical nose, contributes to 20% lower energy consumption by improving airflow efficiency. The train has also been developed as a fully connected platform, featuring enhanced onboard wireless connectivity and the ability to accommodate future technological upgrades.
The programme involved more than 4,000 people, nearly one million kilometres of testing, and generated more than 400 innovation patents. The type certification dossier comprised over 1,000 documents, including test reports, expert assessments and technical plans.
Passengers will benefit from 20% more luggage storage space, while the seats are 90% recyclable and were tested by 125 customers with different body types. The driver’s cab was developed with the involvement of 90 train drivers to ensure that ergonomics and functionality meet real operational requirements.
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