The new trains will be used to increase capacity, especially on the Cologne - Frankfurt high-speed line and on services between Munich and Berlin.

DB issued a call for expressions of interest for a framework agreement to supply up to 90 high-speed EMUs in October.

The specifications call for at least 11,400 seats across the fleet, along with eight bicycles spaces per train.

DB will also invest €500m in its ICE workshops, creating 600 new jobs. The DB facility in Frankfurt-Griesheim will be significantly expanded to increase maintenance capacity, while plans are already underway for the Cottbus workshop to be expanded.

For detailed information on fleet orders around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.