The Belgian railway company SNCB has confirmed that the Spanish company CAF has been selected as the preferred bidder for the framework contract for the supply of the new AM30 trains, valued at 3.4 billion euros.
This agreement covers the manufacture of hundreds of trains with a total seating capacity of 170,000 for intercity, local and cross-border services. The contract includes an initial commitment to manufacture trains totalling 54,000 seats for 1.695 billion euros.
Initial specifications, still to be developed, envisage single and double-decker trains with top speeds of 160 km/h and 200 km/h and battery propulsion options.
The decision has generated controversy, especially as CAF submitted a bid of 107 million euros, which is more expensive than that of French competitor Alstom, which employs more than 1,400 people in Belgium. Alstom described the choice as “shocking” and criticised the failure to prioritise local economic impact.
SNCB defended its decision by arguing that the process complied with European regulations based on the ‘best value for money’ criterion. According to the company, CAF’s bid obtained a slightly higher qualitative score, justifying its selection.
Although the award has not been formalised, Alstom could appeal the decision. Belgian mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke is awaiting a detailed report before ruling on the case.
