Rail Without Borders: Alstom’s TRAXX Universal Redefines European Freight

What if one locomotive could do it all—cross borders, handle heavy loads, and switch seamlessly to last-mile diesel? Meet Alstom’s TRAXX Universal, now rolling out across Europe with unmatched versatility and over 2,900 units sold.

Alstom’s TRAXX Universal™ platform, a flagship solution for electric mainline traction, is rapidly redefining cross-border freight efficiency in Europe. Designed as a single, flexible locomotive model with AC, DC, and MS (multi-system) variants, the platform has already recorded more than 2,900 units sold worldwide, including 340 units in the past two years alone.

Presented at Transport Logistic 2025, the platform's multi-variant design allows operators to deploy the same locomotive across different country corridors with minimal configuration changes, boosting operational continuity and reducing downtime.

Cross-Border Power: TRAXX Universal’s Multi-System Capabilities

The TRAXX Universal MS variant is a 6.4 MW electric locomotive compatible with 15/25 kV AC and 1.5/3 kV DC systems, offering top speeds of 140–160 km/h and a maximum tractive force of 340 kN. Optional 230 kW "last mile" diesel functionality enables operation on non-electrified track sections, avoiding mode changes or shunting complications. More than 150 last mile units are already in commercial use, delivering 8 hours of autonomy and nearly full tractive effort even under diesel propulsion. This capability is particularly suited to ports, industrial sidings, and terminal segments lacking electrification.

Strategic Orders Drive Corridor-Based Expansion Across Europe

Alstom’s corridor-based approach to TRAXX Universal deployment was a focal point of the Munich presentation. Recent orders showcase strategic alignments with several European freight corridors. On the East-West corridor between France and Poland, CFL Cargo placed an order for 90 locomotives, both with and without last mile modules, to ensure full access to the 1.5 kV DC network in France. For the France-Italy-DACH corridor, Railpool’s order includes 45 locomotives configured for DE-AT-CH-IT-FR operations, using the Onvia (formerly Atlas) signalling solution to navigate France’s complex electrification system. The North-South corridor, connecting Luxembourg and the Benelux region with Alpine routes, will see 20 locomotives delivered with optimised transitions between 25 kV AC and 1.5 kV DC, supporting seamless pan-European freight flows.

Meanwhile, the Eastern corridor has seen major traction, with 40+30 locomotives ordered from leasing newcomer Ontrain. These units serve Slovenian Railways and various operators in Poland, with Slovenia’s order including WTB compatibility with ÖBB. As of mid-2025, over 70 units have been sold for this extended corridor alone.

The general design of the TRAXX Universal MS variant reflects modular engineering principles. Key components such as high-voltage cubicles, auxiliary transformers, brake resistors, and traction motor blowers are arranged in a way that enables fast diagnostics and simplified servicing. This layout reduces operational complexity and ensures that the locomotive can evolve alongside future technological upgrades.

Digital Diagnostics and Predictive Maintenance as a Competitive Edge

A central competitive edge in Alstom’s offering is its digitally optimised maintenance strategy. The TRAXX Universal features extended maintenance intervals, reducing both downtime and the need for transport to servicing depots. Its onboard HealthHub™ system monitors over 200 signals in real time, allowing for predictive diagnostics and proactive intervention. Combined with Alstom’s regional parts depots and service teams, the setup helps deliver high availability rates, a crucial metric for logistics firms operating under strict SLAs and customs schedules.

From a market and industrial standpoint, TRAXX Universal’s momentum is clear. The platform’s ability to handle both double traction freight and passenger car haulage has made it especially attractive to operators in Central and Eastern Europe, where demand is rising for rolling stock capable of spanning multiple national networks. As noted by Alstom, its multi-country homologation readiness and modular production capacities position the TRAXX Universal MS as a reliable building block for the TEN-T corridors and Single European Railway Area.