The new local trains are delayed

The first new local train produced by Alstom has been delayed and is now scheduled to be ready for traffic in June 2026. Compared to the original plan when the contract was signed, the delay is now approximately 10.5 months. The delay is due to challenges Alstom has with its subcontractors, but also challenges in the actual production.

-Norske tog is surprised that there is now a further delay so soon after Alstom informed us of the previous delay in the project. ‘Delays are demanding when we have a tight schedule to get new local trains in traffic as quickly as possible, in order to give travelers in Eastern Norway a better train service. Both Alstom and Norske tog apologise that the progress is not as agreed when the contract was signed, and we are working hard to maintain the progress of the project,’ says Hans Arne Dingtorp, project manager at Norske tog.

Other major train companies in Europe with orders from Alstom have also been notified of similar delays, so this affects several train operators in Europe. ‘It is well known that there have been challenges in the global supply lines, including those related to the war in Ukraine, which have had consequences for train manufacturers.

-Norske tog is in close dialogue with Alstom about the situation and is working to ensure the best possible progress in the project, given the challenges that have arisen. Both the Norwegian Railway Directorate and the operators are being kept informed of the delays,’ says Dingtorp.

The new local trains must undergo extensive winter testing in Norway before they can be finally approved. It will therefore be crucial to complete winter testing in the winter season of 2025/2026.