SNCF Réseau accelerates the renewal of its network: the COLAS RAIL and TSO CATENAIRES High Output Catenary train reaches the milestone of 25,000 cantilevers replaced and secures three new contracts.
To modernise one of Europe's densest rail networks, SNCF Réseau is accelerating the renewal of its infrastructure through innovative industrial solutions. A flagship illustration of this ambition, the 25 kV High Output Catenary train, developed in partnership with COLAS RAIL and TSO CATENAIRES, has now reached the milestone of 25,000 catenary cantilevers C2-LIMITÉ : Propriété de NGE replaced across the French national rail network. This achievement comes alongside the award of three new contracts, confirming the ability of this world-first train to meet the challenges associated with the large-scale modernisation of the rail network.
A unique industrial innovation worldwide
Commissioned in 2019, the 25 kV High Output Catenary train is a genuine factory train capable of continuously renewing catenary cantilevers and droppers, which are essential components of the electrical supply system for trains.
It delivers: • productivity rates up to four times higher than conventional methods; • interventions carried out both day and night; • works undertaken with limited impact on rail operations.
Since entering service, the train has contributed to the modernisation of more than 1,000 kilometres of overhead line equipment, achieving performances of up to 200 kilometres renewed in a single year. Reaching the milestone of 25,000 cantilevers replaced demonstrates the successful scaling-up of this solution, which has now become a benchmark for the renewal of the French rail network.
Alongside the 25 kV High Output Catenary train, the 1.5 kV High Output Catenary Train also enables the industrialisation of renewal operations on conventional DC-powered lines, further illustrating SNCF Réseau’s strategy of developing tools tailored to each type of network.
«Today, SNCF Réseau is delivering an unprecedented renewal programme to modernise French rail infrastructure. To meet this industrial challenge, we need solutions capable of delivering more, faster, while keeping the impact on rail operations under control and well integrated into the timetable. The High Output Catenary train fully embodies this ambition. Reaching the milestone of 25,000 cantilevers replaced demonstrates that this innovation has now become a key driver in the modernisation of the network, serving both passengers and the rail transport system of tomorrow. »
Estelle Masclet, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Operations and Industrial Programmes, SNCF Réseau
«Seeing the 25 kV High Output Catenary train surpass the milestone of 25,000 cantilevers installed is a tremendous source of pride for COLAS RAIL. Together with TSO Caténaires and alongside SNCF Réseau, we are demonstrating that innovation, industrialization and ESG commitments can transform the modernization of the rail network without disrupting operations and within record timescales. This milestone rewards the commitment of our teams and our continuous improvement approach in support of safer, more efficient and more sustainable infrastructure. It also highlights our ability to meet the most ambitious technical challenges. We will continue building on this momentum to provide passengers with a modernised, reliable network tailored to tomorrow’s mobility needs. »
Hervé Le Joliff, Chairman, COLAS RAIL
“The milestone of the 25,000th cantilevers replaced by the 25 kV High Output Catenary train is, above all, a collective achievement built on a demanding industrial organisation and close cooperation between SNCF Réseau, COLAS RAIL, our teams and all our partners. Together, we have successfully designed and deployed an innovative solution capable of combining quality, performance and compliance with the operational constraints of the rail network.
Reaching this major milestone, together with the renewed confidence shown through these new contracts for the next two years, confirms that this industrial and collaborative model has become a benchmark for the modernisation of the French rail network. We are proud to contribute to this transformation over the long term.”
Romuald Hugues, Chairman, TSO
Three new contracts to continue modernising the network
The COLAS RAIL – TSO CATENAIRES (subsidiary of the NGE Group) consortium has been selected to continue the renewal of 25 kV overhead line equipment across three strategic areas of France: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, North-East Normandy and Centre.
These new contracts reflect the renewed confidence placed in the consortium and confirm the relevance of the industrial model developed over recent years.
They will directly contribute to improving service reliability and supporting the development of a more efficient and sustainable rail transport system.