Siemens Mobility will deliver 61 Mireo Plus B battery-powered electric trains for the rail network in northern Westphalia and will provide comprehensive maintenance for the fleet under a full-service contract lasting up to 30 years. The trains will enter service in December 2029.
The project is being carried out by Rock Rail in collaboration with NWL, the local transportation authority for the Westfalen-Lippe region. The new trains will enter service in December 2029.
Under the long-term contract, Siemens Mobility will assume responsibility for fleet maintenance, with the goal of ensuring nearly 100% train availability.
Full Lifecycle Maintenance
Under the contract, Siemens Mobility will play a central role throughout the trains’ entire lifecycle.
The Customer Services division will provide preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance, including the use of digital analytics solutions such as Railigent X.
The system enables maintenance based on the actual condition of components, so that potential issues can be identified before the trains arrive at the repair shop.
Through this approach, Siemens aims to reduce downtime, optimize maintenance processes, and lower long-term operating costs.
Elmar Zeiler, CEO of the Customer Service division at Siemens Mobility, stated that such long-term contracts are essential for reliable and sustainable rail transport.
“Long-term service contracts are a key factor in ensuring reliable and sustainable rail transport. This contract underscores precisely that importance: through our full-service approach, we are taking over the complete maintenance of the Mireo Plus B fleet on the North Westphalia network, thereby ensuring virtually uninterrupted availability over several years. In this way, we are laying the foundation for efficient and cost-effective operations and making a significant contribution to the decarbonization of rail transport in Westphalia,” said Elmar Zeiler.
Rock Rail: Private Financing for Cleaner Transportation
Mike Kean, Chief Operating Officer at Rock Rail, said that the finalization of financing for the NWL project marks a new milestone for the company in Germany.
“The completion of financing for NWL marks another important milestone for Rock Rail and reflects the continued momentum of our business in Germany. The project demonstrates how innovative financing structures, specialized expertise in rolling stock, and long-term private capital can contribute to delivering cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions. “We are proud to be working with Siemens Mobility, John Laing, and NWL to bring this significant fleet into service for passengers in the region,” said Mike Kean.
Christiane Auffermann, CEO of NWL, emphasized that an attractive rail service depends not only on modern trains but also on operational reliability.
“An attractive rail service requires more than just modern trains. For us, it is essential that passengers on the North Westphalia network continue to benefit from a reliable and efficient service in the future. We are laying the groundwork for this goal through our long-term service concept.
At the same time, the planned investments in regional service and maintenance infrastructure send an important signal for the sustainable development of the Westfalen-Lippe region as a rail hub,” said Christiane Auffermann.
How the Mireo Plus B Trains Work
The Mireo Plus B trains are battery-powered multiple units.
They can draw power from the overhead contact line on electrified sections and run on battery power on non-electrified sections, with zero local emissions.
Intelligent energy management systems and regenerative braking help increase efficiency and reduce operating costs.
In addition to sustainable traction technology, the trains will offer passengers Wi-Fi, numerous power outlets and charging points, easy boarding, and generous multifunctional spaces.
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