[IMAGE]VHStrain-2.jpg[/IMAGE]On Tuesday, Alstom CEO Patrick Kron symbolically delivered the first 3rd generation Duplex TGV train set to SNCF president Guillaume Pepy. It is the first double-deck interoperable very high-speed train capable of traveling on all European rail networks.

SNCF had ordered a total of 55 train sets from Alstom in June 2007. Two of the train sets are currently undergoing final development and approval. Commercial operation is planned for late 2011. Among other routes, they will operate on the new Rhin-Rhône high-speed line scheduled to open in December 2011. The entire fleet will be delivered by 2014.

This event marks the introduction of a new generation of double-decker railway equipment designed to meet new requirements in terms of interoperability, comfort, operations and total cost of ownership. The new trainsets, derived from previous generations of Duplex TGVs, take advantage of 30 years of experience in very high-speed railway equipment. The many shared components will help to reduce development, manufacturing, operating and especially maintenance costs.

The trains will run on the railroad networks in France, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg. They feature signaling equipment compatible with all the aforementioned European networks and traction equipment suited to all currents encountered in Europe. Some of the trainsets will have modifications to allow them to travel in Spain; the Duplex TGVs sold in Morocco use this same platform.