Deutsche Bahn is conducting acceptance tests for the ICE3 neo in Belgium

The German railway operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) has begun acceptance testing of the new high-speed electric train Class 408 ICE3 neo in Belgium, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The new trains are planned to be put into operation on the Brussels-Frankfurt route in June of this year, which will be an important step in improving transportation between Belgium and Germany.

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The Class 408 ICE3 neo trains are developed based on the previous Class 407 model and feature several improvements.

They consist of eight cars and can accommodate up to 439 passengers, with 99 seats designated for first class.

The maximum operational speed of the new trains is 320 km/h, making them some of the fastest in Europe.

Siemens Mobility is responsible for manufacturing the Class 408 trains.

The contract for assembling these trains was signed in 2020, involving the delivery of 30 trains for €1 billion.

In 2022, Deutsche Bahn exercised an option and ordered an additional 43 trains, increasing the total contract value to €2.5 billion.

Initially, the introduction of the first train into operation was planned for December 2023, but the deadlines were later pushed back by six months. Thus, the operation of the first train is expected to commence in June 2024.

The first 30 Class 408 trains are scheduled to be put into operation by 2026, increasing the total number of ICE trains in Germany to 421 units.

This significant increase in the high-speed train fleet will enable Deutsche Bahn to improve passenger service quality and increase flight frequency on popular routes.

The testing of the new train in Belgium includes checking all systems and equipment to ensure they meet high safety and comfort standards.

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Special attention is paid to checking the performance characteristics, communication and navigation systems, as well as interaction with the railway infrastructure of Belgium and Germany.

The introduction of the new Class 408 ICE3 neo trains is of great importance not only for Deutsche Bahn but also for the entire European railway network.

Modern high-speed trains will help reduce travel time between major cities and improve passenger service quality, making rail transport more attractive compared to aviation and road transport.

The implementation of these trains will be an important step in the development of high-speed rail transport in Europe and will help strengthen Deutsche Bahn’s position as a leader in this field.

Photo: reisereporter.de

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