• EUR 450m for InterCity Next Generation trains to operate on both the traditional and the high-speed rail network.
  • Nearly 80 new trains to replace old trains and expand its fleet. First new trains expected to enter service in 2021.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Dutch national railroad company Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) have completed a financing project in support of the acquisition by NS of 79 new InterCity Next Generation trains. The trains will have a design speed of 200 km/h and will be able to be used on both the traditional rail network as well as on the specific ‘high-speed’ network in The Netherlands.

“These new trains will be a welcome addition to the already excellent rail transport facilities that Dutch commuters and tourists from all over the world can enjoy on a daily basis.” said EIB vice president Vazil Hudak, responsible for transport. “The Bank is really proud to continue its relationship with the NS by providing support for the next generation of intercity trains that will soon be in action on the Dutch railway network.”

The EUR 450 million loan will cover part of the financing for the so-called “InterCity Next Generation” (ICNG) trains. The new trains, that will partially substitute existing intercity trains, will have a total seat capacity of 25.000 places. Design and testing will take place until next year, with the new trains expected to enter service in 2021.