Deutsche Bahn awarded Siemens Mobility a EUR 1.5 billion contract to deliver 43 additional ICE 3neo highs-peed trains with the first trains expected to enter passenger service at the end of 2022.
The contract was signed by Richard Lutz the CEO of DB and Roland Busch, the CEO of Siemens AG in the presence of Volker Wissing, the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport.
With this order, DB is expanding its ICE 3neo fleet to a total of 73, following the order for 30 trains of this type in July 2020.
The 73 additional trains will enable DB to expand its daily capacity for long-distance transport by a further 32,000 seats. With this increase in its fleet, DB will have the capacity to meet the requirements of the synchronised timetable for nationwide service planned for 2030.
Each train, capable to run at a top speed of 320 km/h, will provide 439 seats, 8 bicycle spaces and redesigned luggage racks providing more storage space.
The new trains will be designed with a high – tech window glass which will ensure stable mobile phone reception and will keep out sun’s ray’s due to a thin layer of metal. The new trains are equipped with modern technology showing the “progress on the rails – fast, digital, barrier-free,” Volker Wissing said.
They will feature, lighting with changing color tones depending on the time of day, tablet holders and power sockets at all seats, including the 2nd class and additional doors. They will be designed to meet the requirements for passengers with reduced mobility and will offer a power lift to ease access for wheelchair users.
The ICE 3neo highs-peed trains will initially operate between North Rhine-Westphalia and southern Germany on the high-speed route via Cologne and the Rhine/Main valley.
“More railways is the key to climate protection in Germany. That’s why everything speaks for expanding climate-friendly rail transport – and that’s why we’re holding to our course for growth and investment. With the new ICE, we’re not only providing more capacity in our trains, but are also enhancing the quality and comfort for our passengers. Our customers can already look forward to the next timetable change in December,” Richard Lutz, the CEO of Deutsche Bahn said.
DB currently operates 93 ICE4 and 71 ICE2 trains and by 2029, the German company will benefit a 137 ICE4 and 86 ICE2 trainsets. Within the next decade, the ICE fleet will reach 450 trains.
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