Talgo has extended its contract with the Danish state railway operator DSB, announcing the production of eight additional Intercity 230 trains and a stock of spare parts valued at 184 million euros. The extension reinforces a longstanding collaboration between the Spanish rolling stock maker and Denmark’s national rail network, underscoring Talgo’s capacity to deliver high speed and high capacity trains for civilian passenger service.
The relationship began when DSB awarded Talgo the initial contract for the Intercity 230 series in February 2020. Each of the eight new trains is designed to operate on the Copenhagen to Hamburg corridor, a route with a significant cross border passenger flow. The Intercity 230 trains can reach a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour and are configured to accommodate up to 440 passengers, balancing comfort and efficiency for long distance travel on the Danish and German segments of the line. This expansion signals both a growth in service and a commitment to modernizing the rail fleet used on Europe’s busiest cross‑border routes. (Source: Talgo press release)
The framework that governs this relationship originally outlined a ceiling of up to 500 million euros for Talgo’s deliveries and related services. Within that framework, Denmark had already approved the first extension, adding 16 cars to the existing order by 2021. The latest step extends that momentum, with DSB exercising an option to broaden the supply of trains and the accompanying maintenance services. This move is part of a broader strategy to refresh rolling stock while maintaining a stable, long‑term supply chain with a European supplier that can meet tight delivery schedules and aftercare commitments. (Source: Talgo press release)
DSB’s decision to proceed with the additional units, as disclosed to the National Securities Market Commission, reflects a deliberate plan to increase fleet capacity without disrupting ongoing operations. The arrival of the new trains will double the original fleet size, providing more seats and greater reliability for passengers, particularly during peak travel periods and on routes with dense demand. The expansion also aligns with Denmark’s broader goals for rail transportation, aiming to enhance modal shift and improve service frequency across major corridors while ensuring high standards of safety and efficiency. The uptake of this option signals robust demand and confidence in Talgo’s ability to deliver at scale. (Source: Talgo press release)
Officials emphasize that the execution of this order is tied to governmental approvals, including a formal decision by the Danish Parliament. Once cleared, the additional train sets will join the existing Intercity 230 fleet and will be supported by comprehensive maintenance programs designed to safeguard uptime and reduce lifecycle costs. This combination of new rolling stock and sustained aftercare is seen as a key lever in meeting Denmark’s environmental commitments, with rail acceleration and cleaner mobility contributing to national aims to cut carbon emissions significantly by the end of the decade. In this context, Talgo highlighted that the initiative contributes to Denmark’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions and to modernize passenger rail capabilities in alignment with European sustainability objectives. (Source: Talgo press release)
Overall, the agreement with DSB not only expands capacity and service reliability on the critical Copenhagen–Hamburg corridor but also reinforces Talgo’s standing as a trusted partner for modern rail systems in Northern Europe. The project illustrates how a European supplier can deliver interoperable rolling stock that satisfies demanding performance criteria while supporting public sector goals for mobility, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. The new trains are expected to deliver enhanced passenger experience and operational resilience, reinforcing Denmark’s ongoing commitment to sustainable transportation and regional connectivity. (Source: Talgo press release)