Netzwerkbahn Sachsen runs three Traxx Universal last-mile locomotives
In Germany, Netzwerkbahn Sachsen now lists three Traxx Universal last-mile locomotives from Alstom in its fleet, all class 188 machines equipped for short runs beyond the catenary.
The country configuration listed by Netzwerkbahn Sachsen matches the D-A-PL-CZ-SK-HU package in Akiem’s BR 188 technical data sheet. Among the five packages in the sheet, only this one includes both Last Mile Diesel and radio remote control.
Which countries the Central European package covers
The non-binding Akiem technical data sheet lists construction years of 2025–2026 for this package. It gives Germany, Austria, Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia as its homologation countries. Netzwerkbahn Sachsen names the same six countries for its own machines.
The onboard signalling follows the same corridor logic. Besides ETCS Level 1 and Level 2 in Baseline 3, the sheet lists PZB and LZB. Those two cover German and Austrian lines. In addition, SHP covers Polish lines. Further east and south, Mirel equipment handles the LS90 and EVM120 systems.
| Approval package | Build years | Last-mile diesel | National train protection beyond ETCS |
|---|---|---|---|
| I (D-A-CH-FR) | 2025 | No | SCMT |
| D-A-CH-I-FR | 2026–2027 | No | SCMT, PZB, LZB, KVB, RPS |
| D-A-CH-I-FR-NL-B | 2027–2028 | No | SCMT, PZB, LZB, KVB, RPS, TBL1+, ATB-Vv/EG |
| D-A-PL-B-FR-LUX | 2025–2026 | No | SHP, PZB, LZB, KVB, RPS, TBL1+ |
| D-A-PL-CZ-SK-HU | 2025–2026 | Yes, with radio remote control | SHP, PZB, LZB, Mirel LS90, Mirel EVM120 |
The country list and last-mile equipment published by Netzwerkbahn Sachsen correspond to the D-A-PL-CZ-SK-HU package. Country codes follow the data sheet: D Germany, A Austria, CH Switzerland, FR France, I Italy, NL Netherlands, B Belgium, LUX Luxembourg, PL Poland, CZ Czechia, SK Slovakia, HU Hungary. Source: Akiem, BR 188 Traxx MS3 technical data sheet.
What the data sheet says about tractive effort
Akiem lists a starting tractive effort of 320 kN and a separate figure of 260 kN “with LMD”. The document does not say that installing the last-mile module reduces the locomotive’s starting tractive effort in electric operation. Its graph also shows a standard tractive-effort curve at 320 kN. In addition, it plots an increased curve at 340 kN and a push-mode figure of 240 kN.
Netzwerkbahn Sachsen, for its part, describes its machines as reaching 160 km/h. Moreover, it gives a maximum tractive effort of roughly 340 kN and up to 5,600 kW under multi-system electric power. For unelectrified track, it lists an auxiliary diesel engine of about 180 kW. Yet the operator’s maximum figure and the operating figures in Akiem’s data sheet refer to different entries, so they are not directly interchangeable.
The size of that auxiliary engine sets the limits of the concept. Alstom positions last-mile functionality as a way into terminals, ports and sidings without a shunting locomotive. It is not a second traction system for long diesel runs.
Where the class 188 fits in the NeS fleet
The NeS fleet also includes three Stadler EuroDual locomotives, each with six axles, combining 6,150 kW under the wire with a 2.8 MW diesel engine. Two Vossloh DE18 locomotives provide 1,800 kW and reach 120 km/h. The class 188 fills a different niche: it combines mainline speed and multi-system electric power with a small diesel engine for short movements in terminals, ports and sidings.
| Type and units held | Power on electrified track | Power away from the wire | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 188 Traxx Universal, 3 units | Up to 5,600 kW, multi-system | About 180 kW, auxiliary diesel | 160 km/h |
| Class 159 Stadler EuroDual, 3 units | 6,150 kW at 15 kV 16.7 Hz and 25 kV 50 Hz | 2.8 MW, main diesel engine | Not stated in the fleet listing |
| Vossloh DE18, 2 units | None, diesel only | 1,800 kW, continuous | 120 km/h |
The three types cover different operating requirements. The class 188 combines multi-system mainline operation with a small diesel engine for short sections beyond the catenary. The EuroDual provides substantially more diesel power for longer or heavier work without overhead electrification. The DE18 supplies diesel traction for first- and last-mile operations and other freight duties. Source: Netzwerkbahn Sachsen, traction fleet listing.
Why the Czech configuration matters
Netzwerkbahn Sachsen says it can operate Czech services over routes that avoid the Elbe valley when capacity there runs short. A Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten report adds that the company hauls grain and car trains as far as Děčín and serves the fuel depot at Rhäsa. Separately, the operator confirms that it manages the connecting railway at the gravel plant in Ottendorf-Okrilla. The country package therefore supports cross-border operation, while the diesel module provides access to short unelectrified sections such as terminals and industrial sidings.
The 2023 Akiem framework for Traxx Universal locomotives
The wider supply context includes a framework contract signed by Akiem and Alstom on 17 July 2023. That framework covered up to 100 Traxx Universal multi-system locomotives. Of that total, 65 locomotives formed the firm portion. Akiem put the total value of the full framework at up to €500 million. Akiem scheduled deliveries for 2025–2028, with final assembly planned at Alstom’s Kassel plant. The lessor also said that part of the order would receive last-mile equipment for access to ports, terminals and industrial sites.
