Alstom has been awarded Lot 1, which is worth up to €900m and calls for the delivery of up to 150 single-deck medium-capacity EMUs. The deal includes a €240m initial order for 47 trains, which will be delivered from early 2019 onwards.

The articulated trains will be supplied in two different formations, with the longer sets accommodating up to 321 passengers. The project will involve Alstom’s facilities at Savigliano, Sesto San Giovanni, and Bologna.

Under Lot 2, HRI will supply up to 300 Caravaggio double-deck EMUs in a deal with a maximum value of €2.6bn, with an initial order for 25 five-car and 14 four-car trains worth €333m.

Production will be carried out at HRI plants in Pistoia, Naples, and Reggio Calabria and deliveries will commence in the third quarter of 2019.

Trenitalia says Stadler has submitted the best economic offer for Lot 3, a contract to supply 50 DMUs, but the supplier's bid is subject to further evaluation.

Eleven suppliers prequalified for the tender and six - Alstom, CAF, Hyundai Rotem, Hitachi Rail Italy, and Stadler Rail - submitted bids for the three contracts.

Caravaggio LARGE