Copenhagen’s Capital Light Rail: Siemens, Avenio & Rail Expansion

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Introduction

On October 26, 2025, the City of Copenhagen inaugurated the Capital Light Rail – Phase One, resuming tram services after a 53-year hiatus. The initial 14 km segment connects Ishøj and Rødovre Nord, offering a new transport option for the Greater Copenhagen area.

Route and Stations

The 14 km section of the Capital Light Rail features 12 stations, linking Ishøj, a municipality approximately 20 km southwest of central Copenhagen, with Rødovre Nord, located just west of central Copenhagen. The full line, set to open in the summer of 2026, will extend to 28 km, connecting suburban municipalities from Ishøj and the Arken Museum of Modern Art in the south to DTU and Lundtofte in the north.

Operational Details and Passenger Capacity

Currently, services between Ishøj and Rødovre Nord operate every 10 minutes. Upon full completion in 2026, the frequency will increase to every 5 minutes during daytime on weekdays and Saturdays, and every 10 minutes in the evenings and on Sundays. The new light rail line connects with the S-train network and anticipates carrying up to 14 million passengers annually by 2031. On the opening day, approximately 15,000 passengers utilized the Light Rail.

Project Management and Infrastructure

In 2018, a consortium including Per Aarsleff A/S and Siemens secured a turnkey contract for the construction of the light rail system in Copenhagen. The contract encompassed the delivery of 27 four-car Avenio trams, rail electrification, signaling, communication systems, workshop equipment, project management, and system integration. The remaining section from Rødovre Nord to Lundtofte, which will include 17 new stations, is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026.

Rolling Stock and Features

The low-floor Avenio LRVs arrived in Copenhagen in 2023. These vehicles have a maximum capacity for 290 passengers, including 64 seats, and are designed to operate at 70 km/h. They feature a bright interior design, an advanced air conditioning system, and ergonomic seating. Modern energy-saving LCD passenger information screens provide up-to-date information.

Conclusion

The Capital Light Rail’s initial phase is now operational, with the full line expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. The project, jointly owned by the Capital Region of Denmark and 11 municipalities, aims to offer an efficient and accessible public transport alternative for the Greater Copenhagen area.

Company Summary

Per Aarsleff A/S: A general infrastructure contractor involved in the construction of the light rail system.

Siemens: A company that was part of the consortium that secured the turnkey contract to build the light rail system in Copenhagen.

Capital Light Rail: The company that is responsible for the new light rail system.

Technology

Avenio: The low-floor LRV (Light Rail Vehicle) supplied for the Copenhagen light rail system.

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