Danish state railway operator DSB has confirmed the purchase of 50 more IC5 electric trainsets from Alstom.
What is the timeline for deliveries
The IC5 units are based on Alstom’s Coradia Stream platform, which is already in operation in Italy and the Netherlands. The trains for Denmark will be adapted to local requirements and design specifications.
The first IC5 trainsets are scheduled to arrive in Denmark during 2025. These will undergo testing on Danish rail infrastructure. Once the necessary approvals are obtained, the trains will enter passenger service, which is expected to begin in 2027.
DSB is preparing to gradually replace its diesel-powered trains with the IC5 fleet as Denmark continues to electrify its railway network. The diesel trains are scheduled to be phased out by 2030.
Details of the contract
The purchase of the additional 50 trainsets is part of what is described as the largest train procurement in Denmark to date. The original agreement with Alstom was valued at more than DKK 20 billion, equivalent to approximately EUR 2.68 billion. The updated order, which includes the 50 additional trainsets, increases the total contract value.
Under the contract, Alstom will also provide maintenance services for the IC5 fleet. Two new workshops are being built in Aarhus and Copenhagen to support these maintenance operations.
Broader rolling stock renewal by DSB
The procurement of the IC5 units is part of a larger fleet renewal process that DSB has been conducting over several years.
- 2018: DSB ordered 26 Vectron locomotives from Siemens, with an option for 16 more.
- 2020: DSB placed an order for 8 EuroCity passenger sets from Spanish manufacturer Talgo. The first 3 Vectron locomotives were delivered and entered service.
- 2021: DSB signed the initial agreement for 100 IC5 electric trainsets from Alstom.
- 2022: Siemens delivered and gained approval for a total of 42 Vectron locomotives.
- 2023: DSB expanded its Talgo EuroCity order by 8 additional carriages and 16 control cars. IC5 design was finalized, and production began. The company also announced a tender for a future fully automated S-train.
- 2025: EuroCity trains are scheduled to start passenger service in Denmark. The first IC5 test runs in Denmark are expected this year.
- 2027: IC5 trains planned to enter regular passenger operation.
