As part of a tendering process, SNCF Réseau has awarded Vossloh a firm period two-year contract with an option to extend for up to three additional years, starting in 2026, for extensive milling works on France’s rail network. With in average 200 km of track to be machined per year, the project is one of the largest single rail and switch maintenance contracts that Vossloh has been able to carry out in France to date.
The milling work will be performed all across the country with the exception of Corsica. In 2026, milling work will be carried out for 11different Infrapôles (local implementations of SNCF Réseau). A planning concept has been shared with SNCF Réseau that optimizes the operating times of the milling train and thus minimize transfer times.
Both partners will also be relying on technological development and innovation. Talks regarding the use of new machines, digital monitoring systems and innovative technologies were initiated during the bidding in order to develop solutions for the increasing strain on the French rail infrastructure, which is a central transit axis in European rail traffic.
“We’re pleased that SNCF Réseau has again placed their trust in us. This contract consolidates our role as a long-standing partner for sustainable infrastructure services in France”, says Marcel Taubert, Managing Director of Vossloh Rail Services. “Efficient maintenance, high availability and technological developments are key elements that we’re using to meet the needs of a growing European rail market.”
The milling method used enables complete machining of the rail profile in a single pass – depending on the depth of the defect and the condition of the rail. The combination of milling and integrated grinding precisely corrects the rail’s transverse and longitudinal profiles. This improves the ride, reduces wear and extends the service life of the rails.