Alstom to supply 47 trains for Mexico’s northern corridors with majority local content

The design of the Adessia Stream train for the Trenes del Norte lines is inspired by Mexican identity and culture (Non-contractual design for illustrative purposes © ALSTOM SA 2025. Advanced & Creative Design | Adessia™)

Alstom has signed a contract with the Railway Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF) to supply 47 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) passenger trains for key corridors in Mexico, including Mexico City–Querétaro–Irapuato and Saltillo–Monterrey–Nuevo Laredo. The deal, announced on 15 December 2025, forms part of the National Development Plan 2025-2030 and is valued at approximately 20.2 billion Mexican pesos, or around 920 million euros.

The contract covers 33 long-haul and 14 short-haul trains, as well as comprehensive maintenance for five years, fitting out of maintenance depots, and inspection and refuelling stations. Technical training and commissioning of the trains are also included.

“This project exemplifies Alstom’s commitment to Mexico. 76.6% of the content for the trains will be made in Mexico. This level of local content boosts the Mexican railway industry, promotes technical specialisation and strengthens the network of local suppliers, creating attractive jobs across the value chain. Manufacturing trains for Mexico, made in Mexico, isn’t about just one project, it is our long-term contribution to sustainable mobility and the development of the country,” said Maite Ramos, Alstom’s general manager for the North Latin American region.

The trains, known locally as Trenes del Norte, are based on Alstom’s Adessia Stream platform for catenary-free operation. They are designed to reach speeds of around 165 km/h, with each unit measuring approximately 100 metres and allowing double coupling for configurations of up to eight cars. Capacity is flexible, carrying around 300 passengers on long-haul services and up to 600 on short-haul journeys. The trains offer accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility, real-time information systems, and a comfortable, contemporary travel experience.

Alstom’s Adessia commuter solutions are widely deployed, with more than 40,000 cars sold across 60 commuter systems in 15 countries. Constructed from aluminium and stainless steel, the trains are designed to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and durability, while transforming the urban travel experience.

Design plays a key role in reflecting Mexican identity and culture. The trains draw inspiration from Nahuatl language and the Codex Boturini, with earthy ochres, warm browns and pink tones. The front of each train is inspired by the gaze of the puma, a symbol of strength and agility, with aerodynamic lines and three horizontal lights representing the feline’s whiskers. Long-distance trains feature a flowing black ribbon along the roof with a green band and earth-brown doors, while short-distance trains maintain a cohesive visual identity with integrated windows and distinctive front lights.

Production will take place at Alstom’s Ciudad Sahagún plant in Hidalgo, which holds international certifications and advanced processes for working with aluminium and stainless steel. Over 76% of the train content will be produced locally. The plant, Alstom’s largest in the Americas, has manufactured over 2,000 locomotives and 3,500 train cars and is strategically located near Mexico’s main logistics corridors.

Alstom will also provide maintenance and operational support using its HealthHub predictive system, which monitors over 10,000 cars in more than 30 cities and has reduced energy use by 20% since 2014. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs, including roles in engineering, project management, and manufacturing, while supporting the long-term growth of Mexico’s railway industry.