Alpha Trains has completed the modernization of the fleet of Siemens Desiro ML multiple units for the MittelrheinBahn regional rail service in the Middle Rhine Valley (Mittelrhein), connecting cities such as Cologne, Koblenz, Bingen, and Mainz.
The trains are owned by Alpha Trains, and the modernization project for the 17 Siemens Desiro ML (Mainline) multiple units was supported by a EUR 3 million investment from public transport authorities. The modernization was necessary from both a technical and aesthetic standpoint to provide passengers with a high standard of comfort. The last modernized train was unveiled on May 5, 2026, at the Siemens Mobility test center in Wegberg-Wildenrath, marking the official completion of this extensive project.
Passengers traveling the entire route between Cologne, Koblenz, and Mainz will benefit from significantly improved comfort.
The complete refurbishment of the multiple units, which have been in service on this route since 2008, represents an important contribution to the efficient use of resources in rail transport. Instead of purchasing new trains, the project demonstrates how sustainable mobility can be achieved by modernizing existing rolling stock and extending its service life.
The modernization of the vehicles is based on the current service contract, which came into effect in December 2023. The network was awarded through a joint tender by the regional rail transport authorities of Rhineland-Palatinate and the Rhineland region, and operations continue to be provided by Trans Regio.
Siemens Desiro ML trains offer significant comfort
The main challenge of the project was modernizing the fleet without interrupting regular service. To maintain the constant availability of MittelrheinBahn trains, the vehicles were taken out of service one by one and sent to the Siemens plant in Wildenrath for refurbishment. With the completion of the last train, the entire modernization program is now complete.
Passengers benefit from significant improvements such as: The fleet provided by Alpha Trains for MittelrheinBahn services includes the 17 modernized Desiro ML trains and six new Siemens Mireo units, which will supplement services starting in 2020 and allow for increased capacity on high-demand segments, including through the operation of multiple-unit trains.
- a modernized interior with more legroom, larger side tables, and energy-efficient LED lighting;
- digital services such as free Wi-Fi, individual power outlets, and TFT screens with real-time information;
- a refreshed exterior design, with a complete repainting of the trains and front sections.
All maintenance work continues to be carried out at the Trans Regio depot in Koblenz-Moselweiß.
“The modernization of the Desiro multiple units, carried out while services continued to operate, in collaboration with Alpha Trains, Siemens, and the transport authorities, was achieved through seamless coordination, allowing us to provide passengers with a stable service throughout the entire period. We are delighted that we can now offer a high level of comfort in all MittelrheinBahn vehicles, comparable to that of new rolling stock,” said Dietmar Knerr, CEO of Trans Regio.
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