Despite high-speed vibrations, Alstom assures that there is “no delay” in the schedule

The manufacturer confirms that current tests of the future TGV have revealed vibrations in the driver’s cabin when the train exceeds 350 km/h. A problem, like so many others, that will be resolved quickly, assures Alstom.

Will SNCF have to wait a little longer to receive the first models of the new TGV M? The question arose after Le Parisien reported “vibrations” observed during tests that the new high-speed train is currently undergoing on the national network.

Asked by BFM Business, Alstom, which designed and manufactures the TGV M, assures that there is nothing worrying in this cycle of tests where no less than a million kilometers will be covered before its entry into commercial service.

“During these tests, we always discover things that need to be corrected, that’s the lot of test campaigns,” explains the manufacturer, who confirms that these “vibrations” appear in the driver’s cabin (and only there) when the train exceeds 350 km/h.

A problem that has been “identified” and which will be “resolved” quickly, we are assured, especially since it occurs “in extreme conditions”, beyond the commercial speed of the train which will be 320 km/h (at the SNCF).

“This does not change the schedule in any way.”

But according to our information, it is Alstom that has chosen to have this new generation TGV approved with a maximum commercial speed of 350 km/h so that other customers can go at this speed. These tests should be completed by the end of this year.

In any case, “this does not change the delivery schedule in any way,” Alstom emphasizes.

A relief for the SNCF, which is waiting for this train like the Messiah. As we know, production and therefore delivery delays have accumulated: initially expected at the end of 2023, the first examples will not reach the south-east before the second half of 2025.

A real thorn in the side of the SNCF which is banking heavily on these new trains (115 have been ordered for more than 3 billion euros) to meet an ever-increasing demand from the French for trains.

All the more so since in 2025, only four to five new trains will be delivered to provide connections to the South-East (Paris-Lyon-Marseille-Nice), the busiest and most profitable line. The ramp-up will then be very gradual: nine in 2026 and 12 in 2027 (i.e. the nominal number of annual deliveries).