Italian regional operators launch tenders for hydrogen-powered trains

A number of tenders for new rolling stock, including multiple-units powered by hydrogen and batteries, have been announced by Italian regional operators.

A bid was made public by Calabria Railways (FdC) for the delivery of hydrogen multiple-units (HMU). The tender comprises a definitive order for five trains valued at €65 million as well as a €3.5 million maintenance option.

Another €39 million option for three additional HMUs is included in the contract, along with the same €2.1 million maintenance option. By the end of 2026, the trains are expected to be delivered. The deadline for bids is February 13.

The Sardinian Regional Transport Company (ARST) has announced a tender for the purchase of three HMUs for €39 million with an option to buy five more for €65 million in the Official Journal of the European Union. Bids must be filed by January 31 for the trains, which will run on the 950mm-gauge network of ARST.

A separate tender totaling €16.3 million for a single HMU, also to be installed on the 950mm-gauge network, has also been released by ARST. Bids must be received by February 7 for this tender.

Three 28 million LRVs for the Sassari Metro and seven 33 million LRVs for the Cagliari Metro are among the light rail networks for which ARST has released a tender. Bids must be submitted by March 28 and the estimated contract value is €35.4 million.

For the 950mm-gauge Circumetnea Railway in Sicily, the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) has released a tender for 15 HMUs. The expected total cost of the deal, including maintenance, is €276 million. The deadline for bids is March 3.

A tender for a six-month framework contract for up to 10 battery-electric multiple units (BEMU) for regional services has been released by TUA, the public transportation provider in Abruzzo. Three vehicles have a firm order under the €112.4 million contract. The deadline for bids is February 27.

More EMUs have been ordered from Titagarh Firema for the Lazio region. On December 24, the producer and the area entered into a third agreement for the supply of five six-car MetroMare EMUs for the Rome to Lido di Ostia route. The nearly €43 million contract is for the last five trains from a framework deal for 38 EMUs that was awarded at the start of 2022.