Siemens to refurbish South Western Railway Desiro EMUs

SIEMENS announced on November 10 that it has secured a €56m contract to refurbish the fleet of Desiro EMUs used by British train operator South Western Railway (SWR).

The 12-month programme involves the full interior refurbishment of 45 five-car class 444 and 127 four-car class 450 sets, which are owned by leasing company Angel Trains.

Work is due to begin next month and involves fitting new Axminster carpets, at-seat power points, and real-time passenger information systems. First class accommodation will be upgraded with new leather seats and tables with inductive charging points for mobile devices.

The project is part of SWR’s fleet modernisation and expansion programme, which also includes the acquisition of 750 Aventra EMU cars from Bombardier.