Siemens Mobility has been commissioned to deliver 61 Mireo Plus B battery-powered electric trains for the rail network in Northern Westphalia. This project, executed in partnership with Rock Rail and the local transportation authority NWL, includes a comprehensive rail network maintenance agreement spanning up to 30 years. The new fleet is scheduled to begin passenger service in December 2029.
Comprehensive Maintenance and Digital Analytics
Under the terms of the full-service contract, Siemens Mobility will manage the entire lifecycle of the entire fleet of the battery-powered electric trains. The company aims to achieve nearly 100% availability through the application of digital analytics and the Railigent X system. This technology facilitates predictive maintenance by monitoring component conditions in real-time, allowing for repairs before faults occur. Through this approach, the manufacturer aims to reduce downtime and optimize long-term operating costs.
Elmar Zeiler, CEO of the Customer Service division at Siemens Mobility, stated that such long-term service contracts are essential for reliable and sustainable rail transport. He noted that the full-service approach ensures virtually uninterrupted availability over several years, laying the foundation for efficient operations and making a significant contribution to the decarbonization of rail transport in Westphalia.
Innovative Battery Technology for Sustainable Rail Transport
The battery-powered electric trains utilize advanced traction technology to operate with zero local emissions. These units draw power from overhead contact lines on electrified tracks and switch to battery power on non-electrified sections. Intelligent energy management systems and regenerative braking are integrated to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Financing and Regional Development
Mike Kean, Chief Operating Officer at Rock Rail, highlighted that the finalization of financing for the NWL project represents a milestone for the company in Germany.
“The project demonstrates how innovative financing structures, specialized expertise in rolling stock, and long-term private capital can contribute to delivering cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions,” said Kean.
“We are proud to be working with Siemens Mobility, John Laing, and NWL to bring this significant fleet into service for passengers in the region,” he added.
Christiane Auffermann, CEO of NWL, emphasized that an attractive rail service depends not only on modern trains but also on operational reliability.
“An attractive rail service requires more than just modern trains. For us, it is essential that passengers on the North Westphalia network continue to benefit from a reliable and efficient service in the future. We are laying the groundwork for this goal through our long-term service concept. At the same time, the planned investments in regional service and maintenance infrastructure send an important signal for the sustainable development of the Westfalen-Lippe region as a rail hub,” said Auffermann.
