Alstom wins €920m deal to supply new passenger trains for Mexico

Alstom has secured a major contract to supply a new fleet of passenger trains for Mexico, marking a significant step in the country’s renewed push to expand long-distance rail travel. The agreement, signed with the Railway Transport Regulatory Agency, covers the delivery of 47 diesel multiple unit trains that will operate on two strategic corridors linking central and northern Mexico.

The trains will be deployed on the Mexico City–Querétaro–Irapuato and Saltillo–Monterrey–Nuevo Laredo routes, strengthening connections between major population and industrial centres. The decision was formally announced on 15 December during a public session of the federal agency, which operates under the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation. The project forms part of Mexico’s National Development Plan for 2025–2030 and is intended to accelerate the return of passenger rail services after decades of decline.

The contract is valued at around 20.2 billion Mexican pesos, equivalent to approximately 920 million euros. Beyond the manufacture and supply of the trains, the deal includes five years of full maintenance support, the equipping of depots and servicing facilities, staff training, and the commissioning of the fleet once delivered.

Alstom said the programme would generate substantial employment in Mexico, with hundreds of roles expected across engineering, project management and manufacturing. The company described the project as a long-term investment in national rail capability rather than a one-off delivery.

The new fleet, known locally as Trenes del Norte, will be based on Alstom’s Adessia Stream platform and designed to operate without overhead electrification. Capable of reaching speeds of around 165 km/h, each unit will measure roughly 100 metres in length and can be coupled together to form trains of up to eight cars. Passenger capacity will vary depending on service type, with around 300 seats for long-distance journeys and up to 600 on shorter routes.

The trains are intended to offer a modern travel experience, with step-free access for passengers with reduced mobility and onboard systems providing real-time journey information. Alstom said the design prioritises comfort, safety and operational flexibility, while meeting international standards for contemporary rail travel.

Maite Ramos, Alstom’s general manager for the North Latin American region, said:

“This project exemplifies Alstom’s commitment to Mexico. 76.6% of the content for the trains will be made in Mexico. This level of local content boosts the Mexican railway industry, promotes technical specialization and strengthens the network of local suppliers, creating attractive jobs across the value chain. Manufacturing trains for Mexico, made in Mexico, isn’t about just one project, it is our long-term contribution to sustainable mobility and the development of the country."

Image: Alstom