Trenitalia Orders Nine High-Speed Trains To Expand European Operations

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Trenitalia Orders Nine High-Speed Trains To Expand European Operations

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European rail operators are accelerating fleet modernisation to support growing demand and cross-border services. Trenitalia has signed a €260 million agreement with Hitachi Rail for new high-speed trains, reinforcing its strategy to expand capacity and international connectivity.

ITALY, April 2026 — Trenitalia is advancing its high-speed rail expansion strategy with a new rolling stock order, reflecting broader European efforts to enhance capacity, sustainability, and cross-border interoperability.

The operator has signed a €260 million contract with Hitachi Rail for the delivery of nine next-generation Frecciarossa high-speed trains. This builds on a previous 2023 agreement covering 36 units, alongside an additional 10 trains secured through an option, forming part of a wider fleet renewal programme.

The new trains will be capable of operating at speeds of up to 300 km/h and are designed for multi-system use across up to seven European rail networks. Enhanced onboard systems, updated interiors, and improved energy efficiency are expected to support both passenger experience and operational performance.

Under current plans, Trenitalia aims to have 57 new-generation high-speed trains in service by 2029, with further expansion targeting up to 74 units by 2031. Manufacturing will take place at Hitachi Rail facilities in Italy, reinforcing domestic industrial capabilities while supporting international growth ambitions.

The investment highlights a wider shift across Europe toward high-speed rail as a core component of sustainable mobility, with operators scaling fleets to compete with air travel and strengthen cross-border connectivity in an increasingly integrated rail market.

Source: Business Travel News Europe