SIEMENS To Build ICx Long Distance Trains for Deutsche Bahn In Germany

SIEMENS has just bagged the largest contract ever in its 160 year long corporate history to build the over 300 ICx long distance trains for Deutsche Bahn. The deal is currently valued at about 6 billion euros. The German ICx are the most modern, high-speed, eco-friendly trains. SIEMENS has committed to deliver the trains by 2016 and the ICx will become the part of Deutsche Bahn network to form the backbone of DB main line transportation. The ICx boast 30% lesser emissions, reduced weight by over 20 tonnes, better and improved aerodynamics and power cars enable the flexible configurations of the trains. Chief executives of SIEMENS and DB signed the contract at DB Akademie in Potsdam.

Talking to the press, SIEMENS CEO, Dr. Rüdiger Grube said that ICx efficiency and modular structure offers unrivaled economical operation. The flexible internal structure will open new possibilities in passenger comfort. ICx is thus setting the new paradigms in mass, long-distance transport. Though based on standard & tested design structure, the modularity of these trainsets provide up to 24 different configurations. These configurations are further made possible by the 'power cars' - the train cars are equipped with different components a typical drive units have. This configurations enables the ICx to adapt to any volume of passengers and helps in reducing the maintenance costs.

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Deutsche Bahn ICx (Image Credit: SIEMENS)

SIEMENS will deliver two ICx variants. The first is seven part multiple unit train which boasts of three driven power cars. They are capable of top speed of 230 kmph and has 499 passenger seats. The second part is 10 part multiple unit train with five power cars and can carry 724 passengers. It attains the top speed of 249 kmph. Both these variants have an on board restaurant with sitting capacity of 17-23. Both these trains are around 200 meters long.

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