FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) operating subsidiary SNCF Passenger has unveiled its first TGV high-speed train to be refurbished under what is now known as the O2D programme, launched in 2023 as Project Botox. The first train to be refurbished is a tri-voltage TGV Réseau high-speed train.
SNCF Passenger is facing a shortage of high-speed rolling stock, with limited fleet capacity resulting in around 20% of current demand not being satisfied, according to consumer groups. This pent-up demand is also encouraging new entrants such as Kevin Speed, Velvet and Le Train to enter the domestic market, as TGV fleet replacement has not kept pace with rising demand.
In addition, delivery of the new TGV M fleet to SNCF Passenger by Alstom is running late, with the first trains not due to enter service until July on the Paris - Lyon - Marseille high-speed line. This will enable TGV Duplex double-deck trains to be redeployed elsewhere in France, releasing older rolling stock for refurbishment.
Out of the SNCF fleet of 360 TGV high-speed trains, the O2D programme covers the refurbishment of 104, comprising 28 single-deck Atlantique trains first introduced in 1990, 53 Réseau trains deployed from 1992, and 23 first-generation Duplex trains dating from 1995.
As the trains are received at SNCF workshops where they are assessed to determine whether they will receive a light overhaul or more serious attention. Those deemed to be in poor condition will be withdrawn and used to potentially supply up to 3000 spare parts each for other trains.
The Atlantique and Réseau trains will operate for an additional two to four years after refurbishment, while the Duplex trains could continue in service for another 10 or even 15 years. With its fleet designed for an average working life of 34 years, SNCF Passenger says that extending this to 40 or even 50 years constitutes a world-first for high-speed operation.
Work on trains that will operate for an additional two to four years will focus on the interiors, including seats, power sockets and lighting, as well as refurbishing toilets and the bar area. Each train is expected to take one month to complete. For Duplex trains expected to continue in service for a longer period, work will take six months to complete, combining complete interior refurbishment with upgrading toilets and installing onboard ETCS equipment.
O2D is costing €600m and is due to be completed in 2033. The first trains are being refurbished at the Atlantique fleet maintenance depot at Châtillon near Paris Montparnasse station, with the project also involving the SNCF Passenger workshops at La Janais near Rennes, and Le Landy near Paris Nord. A total of 26 trains are due to return to service this year, followed by 23 in 2027.
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