High-Capacity Coradia Max Enters Prague Tender Race

Alstom has presented its Coradia Max electric multiple units at the VUZ test circuit in Velim. The showcased models, produced for German customers, can be adapted to specific operator requirements.

"The trains being tested in Velim are intended for a major German operator that is expanding its fleet in response to growing passenger demand. Coradia Max delivers higher capacity while making full use of existing railway infrastructure," said Dan Kurucz, Managing Director of Alstom Czech Republic.

Alstom is also offering the Coradia Max units to Czech operators as part of the Prague and Central Bohemia mega tender, valued at a record CZK 142 billion (EUR 5.9 billion). "If everything goes well, this train could in the future operate within Prague and the Central Bohemian Region," Judita Urbánková, Communications Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, told RAILTARGET.

Greater Comfort for Passengers and Drivers

In the tested configuration, Coradia Max reaches speeds of up to 200 km/h; for the Czech market, a maximum speed of 160 km/h is expected. The tested trainset consists of four double-deck and single-deck coaches and offers up to 380 seats. Coradia Max therefore meets the capacity requirements of the EMU 400 category requested within the mega tender.

Urbánková pointed out that the units promise "higher safety and comfort for passengers." Special attention has also been paid to driver comfort, the ergonomically designed cab is equipped with its own air conditioning system and clear digital displays.

Coradia Max: More Than 500 Units Across Europe

Across Europe, more than 500 Coradia Max units are currently ordered, under production or already in operation. A significant part of this includes a contract for 42 trains with a 30-year maintenance agreement for Polish national operator PKP Intercity.

The platform has been developed and validated for operation on some of the busiest railway lines. Compatibility with ETCS and European interoperability standards is standard. The lightweight construction contributes to reduced energy consumption. As a fully electric unit, it produces no local emissions during operation.

Level boarding is ensured by a 550 mm floor height, matching PID standards. For platforms with different heights, the trains are equipped with automatic retractable steps. Wide automatic doors allow smooth passenger flow, which is essential in dense suburban operations.

Plans for High-Speed Deployment

Alstom is also active in other areas of rail transport. "Our flagship products are high-speed trains, and there is significant development in this field," said Urbánková.

Alstom is also the manufacturer of the Pendolino units that have been operating in the Czech Republic for more than 20 years. Since last August, they have exceeded 200 km/h for the first time on the Prague–České Budějovice line.

"We hope that our other high-speed trains will also operate in the Czech Republic in the future," Urbánková added.