Alstom secures contracts worth £330m to upgrade Scottish train fleet

Alstom has secured contracts worth around £330 million to support and upgrade Scotland’s intercity train fleet.

The firm, which designs, develops, manufacture and tests trains at its Lichurch Lane Works site in Derby, has signed agreements with ScotRail and Beacon Rail.

The package includes a 10-year Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement valued at approximately £250 million, covering the maintenance and operation of 22 five-car Class 222 trains.

The deal runs to 2036, with an option to extend to 2042.

Alongside this, Alstom has secured an £80 million refurbishment contract with Beacon Rail to modernise the fleet, including interior and exterior upgrades.

Initial maintenance and support activities will be delivered across multiple locations in Scotland, with Alstom providing technicians, engineers, supply chain support, spares management, specialist tooling and data hosting services.

Rob Whyte, managing director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said: “This agreement represents a significant vote of confidence in Alstom’s ability to support reliable, high-quality rail services across Scotland.

“The Class 222 fleet has a strong service history, and through this comprehensive programme of technical support, refurbishment and heavy maintenance, we will help to ensure these trains continue to deliver a safe, comfortable and dependable experience for passengers for many years to come.

“This investment also underlines our commitment to sustaining skilled jobs, developing engineering capability and supporting the UK rail supply chain as the industry continues its transition to a more sustainable railway.”

Joanne Maguire, managing director of ScotRail, said: “This is fantastic news for our customers and our staff, as we continue to work towards delivering a safe, green and reliable railway.

“More modern trains are a significant factor in encouraging more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail, and this investment will deliver a considerable improvement in the journey experience.”

This latest contract further reinforces Alstom’s position as a leading provider of long-term rolling stock services in the UK.

Last month, at a ceremony held at its Litchurch Lane Works, the firm unveiled the first refurbished CrossCountry Voyager train as part of a £60 million contract.