A giant step in Greece’s railway transportation: Coradia Stream EMUs and comprehensive maintenance agreement
Hellenic Train and Alstom are joining forces to redefine Greece’s transportation vision. This contract, worth 393 million euros, covers the supply of 23 Coradia Stream Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train sets and 10-year comprehensive maintenance services. Such an investment does not only mean more comfortable journeys; It also raises the bar in security, efficiency and digitalization in the country. Now let’s provide a comprehensive monthly look at the technology and strategy behind this project.
Fleet distribution and technical elements: Suburban or intercity?
11 of the 23 train sets to be produced within the scope of the contract will serve on suburban lines; the remaining 12 will support long-distance intercity services. These EMUs, each consisting of six wagons, are designed to suit different usage scenarios. With a maximum speed limit of 160 km/h, fast and comfortable travels are aimed. On the capacity side, intercity trains will have a capacity of 335 seats and suburban trains will have a capacity of 362 seats. This difference offers significant flexibility to manage passenger flow more effectively, even during peak hours. In terms of hardware, user-oriented solutions such as large luggage racks, stroller and bicycle areas, and charging sockets for digital devices stand out.
In this way, the same train set will be able to travel smoothly on different lines and route profiles. High capacity and fast patrol times will be helpful, especially during peak hours on suburban lines. In intercity sections, comfort and spacious interior spaces will directly increase passenger satisfaction on long journeys.
Digitalisation and safety standards: Everything from signal to passenger experience
The new Coradia Stream fleet will be equipped with the ERTMS Level 2 signaling system, the highest level of European railway standards. This technology manages train traffic with high safety and efficiency while minimizing the risks of interruptions and malfunctions. Trains also feature smart technologies such as digital passenger counting systems and dynamic audio and visual information screens. In this way, passengers can instantly follow which gate will go to which gate at which station, and travel comfort increases.
Another important element is the HealthHub system, which enables condition-based and predictive maintenance solutions. This digital control room analyzes sensor data to predict malfunctions and optimize maintenance processes. Thus, the time trains stay on the rails is maximized, increasing passenger satisfaction and operational reliability. This approach reduces costs while also minimizing unexpected downtime.
Production center and design figure: Savigliano’s role
The design and production of the trains will be carried out at Alstom’s Savigliano Center of Excellence in Italy. This facility is at the center of the long-standing success of the Coradia series. Savigliano’s production power guarantees a production flow in line with high quality standards, in line with the schedule of the Greek project. In the project, the statements made by Hellenic Train CEO Roberto Rinaudo and Alstom Greece General Manager Panagiota Kati underlined the goal of a business partnership based on trust. While Kati stated that the contract started an exciting new era in the country’s railway transportation, Rinaudo emphasized the customer-oriented approach by saying, “Trust is built with actions; we promise our passengers a calmer and more comfortable journey.”
Smart care with HealthHub: Predictive operations
The 10-year maintenance program includes servicing the trains in a specially modernized depot in Athens. The maintenance approach supported by the HealthHub system predicts potential malfunctions by analyzing sensor data in real time. In this way, the time on the rails is maximized and uninterrupted trips are provided for passengers. In addition, unnecessary operations and costs are reduced with a condition-based maintenance-oriented approach in maintenance processes. This means increased operational efficiency for the operator and increased reliability for the passenger.
The impact of the Coradia Series in the Balkans
The Coradia series has stood out as the symbol of reliability and efficiency in European rail networks for nearly 30 years. This series, which has sold over 4,500 units worldwide, serves successfully in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Denmark. With the Greece project, the regional presence of the Coradia Stream family is strengthening. This becomes a candidate reference point for setting new standards by creating an infrastructure compatible with current railway technology in the Balkans. Coradia’s success story supports modernization and digitalization goals across the region through this project.
As a result, this investment of 393 million euros demonstrates not only the numerical increase of train sets, but also the transfer of European standards to the region in the fields of signaling, digitalization, safety and maintenance. With its ERTMS Level 2 compliant infrastructure and HealthHub-based smart care system, Greece will take both passenger experience and operational efficiency to a new dimension. 23 train sets designed for the country’s suburban and intercity lines bring scalability according to need. This project stands out as a critical turning point not only for today but also for building sustainable and safe railway transportation for future generations.
