NS To Modernise Class VIRM 4 Double-Deck EMUs

NS is to modernise the last delivered batch of VIRM double-deck EMUs, the Class VIRM 4. This subseries has 51 EMUs having in total 204 coaches. The first train to be modernised will concern prototyping: its modernisation will start in autumn 2023 and will be completed at the end of 2025. The remaining 50 units will be modernised in the period of 2026 - 2028. The modernisation will cost about 323 million EUR.

NS underlines the sustainability and circulation in the modernisation project: 99 % of the materials will be reused in the modernised trains, used elsewhere or recycled. The operator states that modernisation of the VIRM 4s extends their life-time by another 18 years and makes the fleet more sustainable, while modernisation is saving costs in comparison with ordering new ones.

Mr. Eelco van Asch, Director of Operations and Member of the Board of Directors: “For the long term we are preparing ourselves for a strong increase of passengers. That is why it is important that we continue investments in modern trains with more seating capacity for our passengers. By modernising these double deck trains we ‘smash two flies by one hit’: a comfortable journey for our passengers while operating trains in a sustainable way as much as possible”.

At this moment NS is running modernisation projects for the VIRM 2 and VIRM 3 batches. These modernisation projects, executed by NS Treinmodernisering at Haarlem, are to be completed early 2024, after which the prototyping for the VIRM 4 modernisation gets into full swing. The modernisation of the first batch of VIRMs started in 2016.

Quintus Vosman