On March 31, Trafikverket announced it has awarded Spanish firm Talgo a contract for 10 locomotives and 91 wagons for new night trains. The trains will replace current ones running between Stockholm and Narvik starting in 2030. The deal is worth 5.5 billion kronor.
Trafikverket awarded the contract to Talgo on Tuesday, March 31, following evaluation of bids and negotiations. The new trains are set to enter service in 2030, replacing the existing night trains on the Stockholm–Narvik route, which are approaching the end of their lifespan.
"The reason we are procuring new trains is that the old ones are reaching their lifespan. It is not decided what we will do with them, but they will be phased out," said Rikard Granlund, unit manager at Trafikverket. He added that the old trains might be sold or disposed of in some way, and that this is under investigation.
The procurement was paused last autumn as bids did not meet requirements, but Talgo has now been selected. There is a standard 10-day appeal period, according to Granlund.
The trains must withstand temperatures from +40 to -40 degrees and meet high standards for comfort, functionality, winter resistance, speed, and passenger comfort. "Denmark has just received trains from this company. So we feel very confident that they can deliver according to our requirements," Granlund said.
