Brief overview of key events and news in the passenger rolling stock markets.
Eurostar, a European passenger operator, is considering the purchase of 50 high-speed trains. This was announced alongside the publication of its 2023 financial statements, which show revenues of more than €2 bln. The new trains are expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
The high-speed Siemens e320 EMU in the Eurostar fleet. Source: Siemens
RegioJet, a private Czech operator, has ordered 15 two-car and eight three-car EMUs from Škoda Group for €133 mln. The trains will reportedly commence passenger service in late 2026. RegioJet has previously purchased Pesa trains and started trials of the CRRC EMU.
The Kazakhstan Ministry of Transport has announced its intention to purchase 140 passenger coaches and 20 multiple units. ZIKSTO has already delivered 50 coaches, with 12 more expected by the end of the year.
Passenger coaches from ZIKSTO. Source: KTZ
RITES, a subsidiary of Indian Railways, will deliver 200 passenger coaches to Bangladesh. The contract, worth INR 9.1 bln ($109.8 mln) was awarded following a tender and will be financed by the European Investment Bank. All the vehicles are designed to operate on 1,676 mm gauge lines and will have steel car bodies. The rolling stock is expected to enter service three years later.
Rendering of a hybrid train for Zillertalbahn. Source: Zillertaler Verkehrsbetriebe
Zillertalbahn, a narrow-gauge railway operator in Zillertal Valley, has cancelled a tender for the supply of up to eight hydrogen trains for an undisclosed reason. Local media has previously reported that the 30-year cost of a hydrogen train could be €180 mln higher than that of a diesel train.
