Denmark Railways Signs Historic €3 Billion Deal for Autonomous Trains

Denmark Railways has signed one of its largest contracts ever, awarding a €3 billion deal to Germany’s Siemens and Switzerland’s Stadler to supply hundreds of autonomous suburban trains for Copenhagen.

The agreement covers the delivery of 226 new trains, including 30 years of maintenance, with an option for up to 100 additional units.

The investment marks the biggest project in the 90-year history of Denmark Railways’ S-train network.

Fully Automated System

The project will transform the S-train network into a fully automated system, boosting operational efficiency and increasing capacity by up to 35% on certain lines—equivalent to around 10 million additional passengers annually.

Within the central network, trains are expected to operate at intervals of just 90 seconds during peak hours, representing a significant upgrade for Denmark Railways and Copenhagen’s public transport infrastructure.

Division of Responsibilities

Siemens will lead the consortium, providing electrical systems, traction and braking technology, onboard power supply, train control systems, and long-term maintenance services.

Stadler will be responsible for manufacturing the train car bodies, interior fittings—including seating, air conditioning, and doors—and final assembly of the new fleet.

Implementation Timeline

The first trains are scheduled to enter service in 2032, with full fleet delivery expected by 2040, reinforcing Denmark Railways’ commitment to modernization and sustainable transport development.