Siemens Mobility has secured a long-term full-service contract to maintain 61 battery-electric Mireo Plus B trains that will operate on Germany’s Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NNW), marking a major step in advancing sustainable regional rail transport. The contract, awarded as part of Rock Rail’s project with the Westfalen-Lippe Local Transport Authority (NWL), has a duration of up to 30 years and is designed to ensure almost 100% fleet availability.
Under the agreement, Siemens Mobility will provide comprehensive lifecycle maintenance for the battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) using its Railigent X digital operations and maintenance platform. The trains are scheduled to enter passenger service from December 2029 and will support cleaner, more reliable rail transport across the North Westphalia network.
The long-term maintenance package combines preventive, corrective and predictive maintenance to maximise operational reliability while reducing lifecycle costs. By using digital monitoring and condition-based maintenance through Railigent X, Siemens Mobility aims to identify potential issues before trains require workshop visits, minimising downtime and improving service efficiency.
Elmar Zeiler, CEO of Customer Service at Siemens Mobility, said the agreement highlights the importance of long-term service contracts in ensuring reliable and sustainable railway operations. He noted that Siemens will take full responsibility for maintaining the Mireo Plus B fleet, helping to deliver virtually uninterrupted availability while supporting efficient, cost-effective operations and contributing to the decarbonisation of rail transport in Westphalia.
Rock Rail also described the project as a significant milestone in its German business. Mike Kean, Chief Operating Officer of Rock Rail, said the financial close demonstrates how innovative financing structures, rolling stock expertise and long-term private investment can accelerate the deployment of cleaner and more efficient transport solutions. He added that the company is pleased to work alongside Siemens Mobility, John Laing and NWL to bring the new fleet into service.
NWL Managing Director Christiane Auffermann emphasised that reliable maintenance is essential for delivering an attractive regional rail service. She said the long-term maintenance strategy, together with planned investments in regional servicing and maintenance infrastructure, will strengthen Westphalia-Lippe as a key railway hub while ensuring dependable service for passengers.
The Mireo Plus B trains are equipped with battery-electric propulsion systems that draw power from overhead lines on electrified routes and operate with zero local emissions on non-electrified sections. Intelligent energy management and regenerative braking improve efficiency while reducing operating costs. The trains will also feature passenger-focused amenities, including Wi-Fi, multiple charging points, step-free access and spacious multi-purpose areas, enhancing comfort and accessibility for regional travellers.
Electrify your feed! Click here to join our Whatsapp group and to get the latest updates, expert insights, and innovations driving India’s energy storage revolution.
