CFL Debuts First Coupled Coradia Train, Significantly Boosting Passenger Capacity in Luxembourg

New Era for Luxembourg's Rail Services with Coupled Coradia Train

Luxembourg's national railway company, CFL, marked a significant milestone in its fleet modernization program on Wednesday morning, October 15, 2025, with the launch of its first 'coupled' Coradia Stream High Capacity train. This new 164-meter-long unit effectively doubles passenger capacity, offering 668 seats, and commenced service on the Luxembourg City – Ettelbruck – Troisvierges – Gouvy line.

Strategic Investment in Modern Rail Fleet

The introduction of the coupled train is part of a broader initiative by CFL to upgrade its rail services. The company placed a historic order for 34 new Coradia Stream High Capacity multiple-unit trains from French manufacturer Alstom in December 2018. Manufactured near Barcelona, Spain, this investment totals approximately €400 million, representing 'the largest order ever placed by CFL,' according to Director General Marc Wengler. The overall project aims to increase the total number of seats on the network by 46% once fully deployed by the end of 2026.

While the first individual Coradia trains (2400 series, three-car configuration with 334 seats) began service on September 29, 2024, the coupled configuration represents a substantial leap in capacity. Currently, 14 of the 34 new trains are operational.

Enhanced Comfort and Connectivity for Passengers

The new Coradia Stream High Capacity trains are designed to offer a significantly improved travel experience. Key features include:

• Wi-Fi connectivity
• USB and USB-C charging ports at each seat
• Modern air conditioning systems
• LED lighting
• Spacious interiors with dedicated areas for passengers with reduced mobility and bicycle facilities
• CCTV coverage for enhanced security

These electric trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h and are equipped with the GoA2 automatic train operation system, providing partial automation while requiring a driver on board. They are also designed for interoperability across the national network, Belgium, and France.

Future Deployment and Network Impact

The rollout of the Coradia fleet is progressing steadily. The next major phase is scheduled for the end of 2025, with the planned introduction of the first six-carriage Coradia trains from the 2450-series, which will provide 692 seats per train. The full fleet of 34 trains is expected to be entirely in service across the Luxembourgish network by the end of 2026, replacing older Z2 series railcars and significantly modernizing CFL's rolling stock. This expansion is crucial for accommodating the rapid growth in passenger numbers, which has increased by over 85% in the last 15 years.