NS Intercity Nieuwe Generatie
| Company type | Electric multiple unit trainset |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | Bombardier TRAXX locomotives and coaches |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Dutch Railways (NS) |
| Headquarters | Netherlands |
Area served | Netherlands, Belgium, Germany |
| Products | Intercity trains |
| Owner | Dutch Railways (NS) |
| Parent | Alstom Konstal (manufacturer) |
The Intercity Nieuwe Generatie (abbreviated as ICNG), also known by its nickname "Wesp" (Wasp), is an electric multiple unit trainset operated by Dutch Railways. It serves as both a supplement to the current intercity fleet and a replacement for the Bombardier TRAXX locomotives and coaches previously used on the high-speed route connecting Amsterdam and Belgium. This deployment realizes the original service concept initially planned for the discontinued Fyra project.
The acquisition process started in 2014, leading to the production of these trains by Alstom Konstal in Poland, utilizing the Coradia Stream design. Deliveries commenced in 2020, with passenger operations beginning in April 2023 following comprehensive testing.
History
In July 2014, NS launched a tender for new intercity trainsets, aiming for delivery by 2021 and entry into service in 2022. The bidding contenders included Alstom, Siemens, Bombardier, and Stadler. By May 2016, NS awarded the contract to Alstom for approximately 80 trainsets, finalized at 79 units: comprising 49 sets with five cars and 30 sets with eight cars.
After the cancellation of Fyra, NS continued running Intercity Direct services using TRAXX locomotives coupled with older Intercityrijtuig coaches dating back to the 1980s. To modernize this fleet, NS expanded its order from Alstom to include trainsets compatible with both Dutch and Belgian railway systems. In 2017, an additional two eight-car units were added to the order, which was later increased to a total of 20.
The first ICNG trainset arrived in the Netherlands on 23 May 2020 to undergo network testing. Full operational certification was achieved by late 2022.
NS initiated the gradual introduction of ICNG trains in April 2023, initially deploying them on the HSL-Zuid high-speed corridor between Schiphol and Breda at speeds up to , surpassing previous maximum speeds of . Future plans include expanding ICNG services to routes such as The Hague–Eindhoven, Amsterdam–Groningen, Amsterdam–Leeuwarden, and Amsterdam–Enschede.
Incidents
- On 16 October 2020, two ICNG units being transported experienced a derailment near Dreileben, Germany. The locomotive engineer sustained injuries. These units were en route from the Alstom manufacturing site in Salzgitter via Magdeburg for testing under 25 kV AC railway electrification at Blankenburg (Harz) station on the Rübeland Railway. On 18 October 2020, rail cranes successfully re-railed unit 3105; unit 3109 was unharmed. The diesel locomotive 214 006 remained stranded at the site.
Description
This train series consists of three classes—3100, 3200, and 3300—distinguished by their lengths and electrical compatibility. Certain units within the 3300 class operate on the NMBS/SNCB network, while others run on the DB system.
| Class | Fleet numbers | Quantity ordered | Train length | Electrical Systems | Train protection technologies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100 | 3101-3149 | 49 | 5 cars | 1.5 kV DC 25 kV AC 50 Hz |
ATB-EG, ERTMS |
| 3200 | 3201-3227 | 27 | 8 cars | ||
| 3300 | 3301-3321 | 21 | 1.5 kV DC 3 kV DC 25 kV AC 50 Hz |
ATB-EG, ERTMS, TBL 1+ | |
| 3351-3362 | 12 | 1.5 kV DC 15 kV AC 16.7 Hz 25 kV AC 50 Hz |
ATB-EG, ERTMS, PZB |
3300 series for Belgium
The 3300 series ICNGB trains consist of eight carriages offering a total of 410 seats, equipped with additional restrooms and enhanced luggage compartments. These units are compatible with the Belgian rail safety system and operate under 3kV overhead electrical lines.
NS commissioned two Coradia trains specifically modified for Belgium’s rail network (ICNGB) to succeed the current Amsterdam–Brussels fleet by 2025. These initial units were designated for testing and certification on Belgian tracks before a larger procurement. Nevertheless, an early order for eighteen more trains was confirmed, guaranteeing a total of twenty units will be in service across Belgium starting in 2025.
3300 series for Germany
The ICNGD variant of the 3300 series includes eight carriages with seating for 410 passengers, featuring an extra restroom and expanded luggage storage. This model supports the German rail protection system and runs on 15kV AC at 16.7 Hz via overhead lines.
Interior
The trains are equipped with accessible toilets designed for universal use and have dedicated spaces to accommodate two wheelchair users. In five-car configurations, there is one universal restroom, while eight-car sets contain two standard restrooms. Passenger areas in both first and second class are segmented into zones such as "work," "silence," and "meet & greet." The Belgian 33xx variant incorporates additional luggage racks tailored for international travel. Both classes provide power outlets and USB charging ports for electronic devices, along with onboard NS information displays and free WiFi access.