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Belgium's SNCB Confirms €1.7 Billion Train Order With CAF Under 12-Year Framework

Regulators required fuller justification following an Alstom challenge.

Overview

  • The initial order covers 180 railcars providing 54,000 seats, with entry into service planned for 2030.
  • A signed framework allows expansion to 380 units over 12 years, taking potential value to €3.4 billion and capacity to 170,000 seats.
  • The Council of State had annulled the first award and compelled SNCB to detail why CAF remained the preferred bidder.
  • Belgian unions and parties questioned CAF’s activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, prompting the company to document compliance with human-rights and international-law standards.
  • CAF renewed a commercial-paper programme of up to €250 million, listed on Spain’s MARF, to support short‑term financing needs.