Last month, Trenitalia — the primary train operator in Italy — awarded Hitachi Rail Italy a framework contract for the supply of up to 135 regional diesel multiple-unit trains (DMUs); this includes a firm order for 70 and options for a further 65, which would take the total value of the contract to 1.6 billion euros. Trenitalia said the tender had attracted interest from leading international rolling-stock suppliers.

The DMUs are to be built at Hitachi Rail Italy’s plants in Pistoia, Napoli and Reggio Calabria, with the first expected to enter service in 2021.

The train operator said the DMUs would improve reliability and passenger comfort.

This latest framework agreement forms part of a wider regional train procurement programme.

In August 2016, Trenitalia awarded Alstom the Lot 1 framework agreement covering the supply of up to 150 Coradia Stream medium-capacity single-deck electric multiple-unit trains (EMUs), worth 900 million euros; Hitachi Rail Italy was awarded the Lot 2 framework agreement for up to 300 Caravaggio high-capacity double-deck EMUs, worth 2.6 billion euros.

These are expected to begin entering service in 2019.

Stadler had been selected as preferred bidder for Lot 3 covering the supply of DMUs.

However, following further evaluation of the bids, the tender was re-run last year.