Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV) and Stadler have signed a new contract for the supply of electric multiple units to run on the Vesuvian railway lines.

The framework agreement covers the supply of up to 60 vehicles. As a first call, EAV has ordered 16 trains as well as their maintenance for a period of five years. The purchase will be financed using funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

The tracks on which these trains are to operate are part of a 950mm narrow-gauge network around Mount Vesuvius in Italy.

The delivery of the 16 trains is to be completed by June 2026. These new electric multiple units are to be similar to those from the framework agreement for up to 40 trains signed by the two companies in 2021. They will be three-car units made of lightweight aluminium bodyshells to keep energy consumption to a minimum. Each one will have a length of around 40m and a capacity of 396 passengers, 90 of them seated.

The trains will be fully accessible and will feature designated areas for wheelchairs, prams and bicycles. Access is stepless and the corridors are kept wide to allow all passengers to move through the trains with ease.

Six of the 60 trains will be equipped with overhead line monitoring and analytics systems.

Stadler will also supply systems to improve the efficiency of maintenance operations, such as a temperature analysis system for the train bearings and a monitoring system for certain critical components of the bogie.

“We are very proud that EAV has once again entrusted Stadler with the supply of the new trains. Our vehicles enhance the public transport offer of one of the most emblematic railway networks in Italy, improving the travel experience for residents and tourists alike.”