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On 8 May 2026, two Traxx 3 MS locomotives (SNCB/NMBS no. 1703 and 1704) arrived in the Netherlands from Germany. They were transported to the Hanzelijn by rail operator RRF.
The Hanzelijn, the railway line connecting Lelystad and Zwolle, is frequently used for testing new rolling stock due to its modern infrastructure and the fact the line is equipped with the ERTMS signalling and train protection system. In addition, the Hanzelijn allows for higher operating speeds of up to 200 km/h.
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- In February 2022, the Belgian federal railways SNCB/NMBS signed a framework contract for 50 locomotives, with a binding order for 24.
- For the first time, Traxx machines with a top speed op 200 km/h were ordered.
- In September 2024, Alstom completed the first two locomotives, 1701 and 1702, and sent them to the VUZ Velim test centre in Czechia.
- In February 2025, locomotives 1703 and 1704 were first seen outside the factory.
- On March 8, 2025, 1701 was the first machine to arrive in Belgium, at Schaerbeek. 1702 came in April 2025, 1703 and 1704 one month later.
- It marked the start of tests in Belgium, with first dynamic trials on the public network in July 2025.
- Originally, SNCB expected deliveries in 2026, with all locomotives entering service in 2027.
Four countries, four power systems
HLE 17 is expected to be ready for operation in up to four countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany. The locomotives will, therefore, be able to run under four power systems, namely 1.5kV and 3kV DC plus 15kV 16 2/3Hz and 25kV 50Hz AC. The locomotives will also receive several signalling systems. In addition to ETCS L1 and L2, these are LZB/PZB, ATB+ and TBL+. The maximum speed of the locomotives is 200km/h. Alstom has not yet delivered a single Traxx for such speeds (!).
A first concrete area of operation for these machines will be the international Eurocity trains connecting Rotterdam and Brussels, replacing the leased class 186 electrics.