By Olivier Acuña Barba •
Published: 23 Jul 2025 • 15:33
• 2 minutes read
A Spain train builder has been granted the opportunity to renew and expand Belgium’s train fleet | Credit: Ottignies ©SNCB
The Spanish train manufacturer CAF has outbid all other competitors, winning a 3.4 billion-euro contract to build hundreds of trains to renew Belgium’s railway fleet, the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNBC) said on Wednesday via a press release. The decision has not passed without controversy, as local unions are concerned over domestic employment.
SNBC aims to renew at least half of its fleet by 2023 and increase it where possible to meet an expected rise in passenger demand, according to the press release.
“The 2023-2032 Public Service Contract concluded with the Belgian State in December 2022 stipulates that 50 per cent of the SNCB fleet will be renewed by the end of this period, in particular to meet the expected growth in passenger numbers, improve customer comfort, and replace aging, breakdown-prone rolling stock with more flexible, energy-efficient rolling stock,” the company stated.
CAF can deliver on time and point
CAF outbid the other two bidding finalists because the Belgian company believes it can deliver the new railcars on time, as it is of the highest priority for the country.
“The Board of Directors approved the selection and the award criteria and launched a European call for tenders for a framework contract for the delivery of new railcars, including 54,000 seats as part of an initial order,” the company added.
They explained that all new trains must offer all the necessary comfort for passengers, including autonomous accessibility for people with reduced mobility, quiet zones, information screens, connectivity, and sufficient space for bicycles.
“The order will also include battery-powered trains intended to replace the current diesel railcars eventually,” SNBC said.
One of the requirements in the bidding rules called on the manufacturers to mention the use of local service providers.
The Board of Directors has instructed management, as part of the ongoing discussions with the preferred bidder in preparation for the final award decision, to request confirmation from CAF that its activities comply with international law and human rights.
Wednesday’s confirmation follows the Belgian Council of State’s temporary suspension of NMBS’s decision to appoint CAF as the top-ranked bidder in February 2025, Belga News Agency reported.
Sparking controversy
In response, NMBS re-evaluated its decision and issued a new justification in line with the Council’s ruling. The company has stated that the original ranking of the bidders—CAF, Siemens, and Alstom—remains unchanged following further legal and technical analysis.
The Belgian news agency also said the decision to award the contract to CAF has sparked controversy in Belgium.
“Trade unions and local politicians have criticised the exclusion of the French manufacturer Alstom, warning that this could jeopardise the future of its Bruges factory, which employs hundreds of people,” they noted. “Critics argue that the SNBC’s decision fails to prioritise domestic employment.”
Negotiations with CAF are ongoing, and the SNBC board has ensured they will see formal confirmation with the Spanish company that its operations do not affect local employment.
