SNCB-NMBS has placed a framework order with Bombardier and Alstom for up to 1,362 double-deck M7 trains.
Worth up to €3.3 billion, the first firm order for 445 cars is expected to be delivered between September 2018 and 2021.
The M7 is based on the current M6 coaches, which were built by the same Bombardier/Alstom consortium.
Bombardier’s Bruges factory will build 65 driving cars and 290 trailer cars. Across the border in Valenciennes, Alstom will build 90 motorised cab cars.
The M7 fleet can be operated either as EMUs or as locomotive-hauled trains comprising of both M7 or M6 vehicles. Built to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, the M7s will operate on Belgian main lines and high-speeds lines, including cross-border services to the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Other features will include ETCS Level 2 signalling and a predictive maintenance diagnostic system.
