EIB to fund new trains for Greater Berlin
Posted: 3 January 2020 | Global Railway Review | No comments yet
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is to provide €185 million to fund new rolling stock which will help modernise regional rail in Greater Berlin.


DAL Deutsche Anlagen-Leasing is set to lease new, EIB-financed rolling stock to Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH (ODEG) which in January 2019 won Lots 1 and 4 of a Europe-wide tender launched by Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB) for the modernisation of the ‘Elbe-Spree’ network.
The implementation of Lot 1 covers the purchase of an initial 21 six-car ‘Desiro HC’ trains, which are expected to enter service on the RE1 regional express line linking Magdeburg with Cottbus via Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder) by the end of 2022. The new trains offer considerable improvement in comfort and have generous space for bicycles, prams and wheelchairs and an accessible toilet in each multi-purpose carriage. They also have wider doors to enable faster boarding and free Wi-Fi for passengers.
Andreas Geue, Chairman of the Board of DAL Deutsche Anlagen-Leasing, said: “The implementation of Lots 1 and 4 is a milestone for regional rail in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area. It offers not only an outstanding transport concept, but also an innovative financing structure. We’re happy to literally get this project on track as leasing provider.”
The EU bank loan is guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the central pillar of the Investment Plan for Europe. The EIB and the European Commission (EC) will work together as strategic partners on this initiative, with the EU bank using its financing to help make the European economy more competitive.
EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, who is responsible for EFSI and operations in Germany, said: “This financing for new trains will give a major boost to the modernisation and development of regional rail in Greater Berlin. At the EU bank, we are convinced that a well-functioning rail network with good connections and offering enhanced comfort for passengers can make a vital contribution to reducing the number of cars on the roads and in this way lower pollution and mitigate climate change.”
NEW REPORT FROM GLOBAL RAILWAY REVIEW: Track Insight – Track Maintenance | Transforming Track Maintenance Through Technology
Our latest expert-led Track Insight explores how industry leaders are revolutionising the future of track maintenance through cutting-edge innovation and real-world strategies.
From automation and robotics now streamlining inspections and repairs, to predictive maintenance powered by IoT sensors and advanced analytics, the rail sector is entering a new era of precision and efficiency. Companies like Goldschmidt, Bentley Systems, and MxV Rail are leading the charge, redefining how infrastructure is managed with AI, machine learning, and digital twins to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
In this new data-rich landscape, organisations such as Amtrak and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are demonstrating how to turn vast streams of information—from track geometry to environmental monitoring into actionable intelligence for safer, smarter networks.
Download this insightful, practical guide for FREE and see how your operations can evolve – READ FOR FREE NOW!
Related topics
Funding & Finance, Passenger Experience/Satisfaction, Rolling Stock Orders/Developments, Wi-Fi
Related organisations
European Investment Bank (EIB), Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH (ODEG)