Recent rolling stock delivery delays in France are reviewed in a French government-commissioned report. It identifies several major factors behind the delays affecting railway vehicle supply contracts. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

France Launches Urgent Action Plan as New Report Exposes Systemic Rolling Stock Delays
Photo: Vlado Sestan / Unsplash

These include unrealistic project timetables, greater technical complexity and certification procedures.

Together, these findings frame the delays as a sector-wide issue. The issue involves planning, technical specification and approval processes.

The study began in early 2025 at the request of France’s transport and industry ministries. Railway and industrial sector specialists prepared it: Christian Dugué, François Feugier and Yves Ramette. Over nearly one year, the mission reviewed several recent passenger rolling stock deliveries. Also, it consulted manufacturers, operators, suppliers, infrastructure managers, safety authorities and regional authorities.

Causes identified in rolling stock delivery delays

According to the report, responsibility for the delays is shared across the sector. Its authors point to schedules that were difficult to meet. They also cite more complex vehicle specifications. Other issues include organisational challenges in project management. In addition, the authors call for stronger coordination across the supply chain.

Meanwhile, Railmarket reported that the document considers rail market liberalisation and stronger competition. It looks at their expected influence on rolling stock procurement and delivery processes.

Action plan and vehicle authorisation procedures

After the findings were published, the French government began work on an action plan. Industry stakeholders are involved in that work. Separately, dedicated working groups have been set up to address supply chain organisation.

They also cover regional passenger mobility and vehicle authorisation procedures. The plan is due for formal review at a sector-wide meeting. That meeting is scheduled for early summer 2026.

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