France: The eight-car trainset built by Alstom in 1995 has been refurbished, with its service life extended by four years. It took seven weeks to conduct the works at the national operator’s depot near Paris.
The overhaul included checking the condition of the bogies, brakes, traction system, electrical equipment and other components, which were repaired or changed if necessary. Some parts no longer produced were replaced by recoverable components from three decommissioned TGVs of the same model. The interior also received renewed floors, seats, lighting, toilets and bar area.
Eight-car TGV Réseau trainset of 1995 from Alstom after refurbishment by SNCF. Source: BFMTV
SNCF launched the €600 mln modernisation programme for 104 HSR trains in 2023. The Réseau, Atlantique and Duplex sets are to be refurbished by 2033 at four depots of the French operator. A total of 26 modernised trains will return to service this year and the next 23 units in 2027.
The single-deck Réseau and Atlantique trains will receive a life extension of 2–4 years, while the double-deck Duplex trains are expected to continue operation for another 10–15 years, so the latter will have a more thorough six-month overhaul. The programme allows for satisfying the current demand for high-speed passenger transportation while waiting for the upcoming fleet of 115 new Avelia Horizons from Alstom.
