The order is the second option from an order for 40 Euroduplex sets placed in September 2013. An initial option for 15 trains was exercised in 2017.

The first trains from the initial order entered service in December 2016 and Alstom has so far delivered 41 sets.

Trains from the second option will be delivered in 2021-2022, enabling the withdrawal of some of SNCF’s TGV Atlantique sets, which date from 1988-1992.

Alstom Euroduplex TGV Belfort
Alstom says the order will help to secure jobs at its Belfort facility, which assembles TGV power cars.

Alstom says the order will secure employment for 400 staff at its La Rochelle site, where the intermediate trailers will be assembled, and 120 employees at Belfort, which will build the power cars.

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