The national rail operator of Denmark, DSB, has selected a consortium formed by Siemens and Stadler to supply 226 electric trains with the highest level of automation, GoA4. The contract, valued at approximately €3 billion, includes the supply of trains and 30 years of maintenance. The tender also includes options for an additional 100 trains and an extension of the maintenance period to 44 years.
The trains will be four-car, low-floor electric multiple units (EMUs) capable of operating at a maximum speed of 120 km/h. Each 56-meter-long train will have 156 seats, 16 bicycle spaces, and designated areas for passengers with reduced mobility. The first driverless trains are expected to enter service on the Copenhagen-Hellerup section in 2032, with full automation planned for the entire 170 km Copenhagen S-tog suburban network by 2040.
The introduction of driverless trains is expected to significantly reduce headways in the city center to as little as 90 seconds during peak hours. The installation of the CBTC radio-based train control system, supplied by Siemens Mobility, was completed in September 2022, paving the way for driverless operation. The system allows for real-time monitoring and control of train movements, enabling safe and efficient operation.
The consortium of Siemens and Stadler was selected from a shortlist that included Alstom of France and CAF of Spain. The contract marks a significant milestone in the development of Denmark’s rail network, with the introduction of cutting-edge technology and automation set to improve the efficiency and capacity of the system. The project is expected to have a major impact on the daily commute of thousands of passengers, providing faster, more reliable, and more frequent services. With the first trains set to enter service in 2032, the project is on track to transform the rail network in Denmark and set a new standard for automated rail operations in Europe.