Talgo 230 Trains: Final Approval for Denmark & Germany

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Introduction

Talgo 230 trains, designed for Denmark’s state operator DSB, have received final authorization to operate on the national rail networks of both Denmark and Germany. This approval enables the EuroCity services to commence operations shortly, enhancing cross-border connectivity and domestic routes.

Approvals and Authorizations

The Danish rail authority Trafikstyrelsen, Germany’s Federal Railway Authority (EBA), and the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) jointly confirmed that the Talgo 230 trains, developed for Denmark’s state operator DSB, have secured final authorisation. This clearance clears the way for these EuroCity services to commence operations shortly under the EuroCity (EC) brand.

The approval process involved close cooperation among Trafikstyrelsen, EBA, ERA, and infrastructure managers Banedanmark and DB InfraGO. Talgo worked closely with TÜV SÜD Rail to ensure all technical and regulatory standards were met across the numerous train subsystems.

Train Specifications and Features

EuroCity trains are locomotive-hauled units authorized to run at speeds up to 200 km/h in service. Their flexible formations range from nine to fifteen coaches, offering first and second class accommodation alongside accessible facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. Each train can carry up to 492 passengers, enhancing DSB’s capacity on the Copenhagen-Hamburg route.

The two end coaches of each set are longer and designed to interface seamlessly with DSB’s existing locomotive fleet. In the near future, one end coach will be replaced by a Talgo driving trailer, allowing for push-pull operations and quicker turnarounds at terminus stations.

Contracts and Orders

In 2020, DSB awarded Talgo a EUR 500 million framework agreement, initially commissioning eight trains. This was followed by an expansion of the fleet in 2021 to meet growing demand, increasing seating capacity by 10%. A third order for eight additional trains was placed in 2023. The EuroCity trains for DSB form part of a fleet of sixteen units, delivered under successive contracts.

In Germany, Deutsche Bahn signed a framework deal with Talgo in 2019 for up to 100 ICE L trains based on the Talgo 230 platform, with two confirmed orders for 23 and 56 units respectively. Additionally, private operator Flix has contracted Talgo for up to 65 trains from the same platform, with an initial firm order of 30.

Future Developments

With approvals now granted by Danish, German, and European railway agencies, Talgo takes a significant step forward in its mission to deliver quality rail solutions across Europe. Certification efforts are currently underway for Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, with further approvals expected soon. In September 2025, DB formally accepted the first ICE L train, marking the official start of deliveries. More units will follow in the coming weeks, representing the first batch of the original order.

Conclusion

Talgo trains have received necessary approvals to operate on the national rail networks of Germany and Denmark. These EuroCity trains will run on new domestic routes within Denmark and the cross-border connection linking Copenhagen and Hamburg. DSB ordered a fleet of sixteen Talgo 230 trains, and Deutsche Bahn and Flix have also ordered trains from the same platform.

Company Summary

Banedanmark: Banedanmark is an infrastructure manager.

DB InfraGO: DB InfraGO is an infrastructure manager.

Deutsche Bahn: Deutsche Bahn signed a framework deal with Talgo in 2019 for up to 100 ICE L trains based on the Talgo 230 platform.

DSB: DSB is Denmark’s state operator.

Flix: Flix has contracted Talgo for up to 65 trains from the same platform, with an initial firm order of 30.

Talgo: Talgo is a manufacturer of Intercity trains, designed and built in the firm’s Spanish factories.

TÜV SÜD Rail: TÜV SÜD Rail is a leading European certification body.

Trafikstyrelsen: Trafikstyrelsen is the Danish rail authority.

Technology

EuroCity: EuroCity trains are locomotive-hauled units authorized to run at speeds up to 200 km/h in service.

ICE L: ICE L trains are based on the Talgo 230 platform.

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