Norske Tog summons Alstom over ‘unacceptable’ delays as bogie flaw halts new fleet tests

Alstom has suspended testing of Norske Tog’s new N05 local trains after weaknesses were identified in a bogie component during laboratory fatigue testing, prompting the Norwegian rolling stock owner to summon the manufacturer’s senior management to Oslo.

The issue emerged during controlled fatigue tests, where bogies for the new trains are subjected to repeated load cycles to verify structural durability. Norske Tog said it is currently unclear whether the detected weakness affects multiple bogies. Until the scope of the problem is clarified, all testing of the N05 fleet from the French rail giant Alstom has been put on hold.

“Delays and potential failures in critical parts of the train are not acceptable,” said Norske Tog CEO Øystein Risan. We have called Alstom’s top management to a meeting in Oslo on March 2. We will follow up very closely through frequent status meetings with Alstom going forward. A team of bogie and brake engineers from Norske Tog is traveling to Alstom to follow up on the situation.”

The N05 units form part of a 2021 contract for up to 200 Coradia Stream for the Nordics EMUs. Norske Tog has so far ordered 55 six-car trains intended for Oslo-area local services and regional operations in eastern Norway, with entry into service planned for June, but this will now likely be pushed back again.

Contractual liability flagged

Norske Tog stressed that the structural requirements for the bogies are explicitly defined in its contract with Alstom, with the force tolerances meant to be designed to withstand Norwegian climatic conditions and infrastructure characteristics. Therefore, it said, responsibility for compliance rests with the manufacturer.

“The project has already experienced significant delays. If the identified weakness in the bogie leads to further delays, this will trigger new sanctions under the contract, as the matter is within Alstom’s responsibility and risk,” Risan said.

With testing now suspended and further delay possible, the state-owned rolling stock company says it is preparing contingencies, including extending the lifespan of Class 69 and 72 units operating in eastern Norway and on the Jærbanen, while assessing further measures to improve fleet stability if deliveries slip. “We fully understand that it is frustrating for both travelers and operators who are looking forward to the new trains being in place,” Risan added.

Alstom cites supplier irregularity

In a statement provided to IRJ, Alstom said that “during the testing of materials for the new fleet, a potential irregularity was identified in a component provided by a respected European sub-supplier.”

“While testing by the supplier showed compliance, Alstom’s own internal testing and quality control processes revealed non-compliance with the standard required,” it said. Alstom added that it had “temporarily suspended fleet testing as a precautionary measure until further investigation is completed,” and said it remains fully committed to the N05 project, working with Norske Tog, infrastructure manager Bane Nor and operator Vy.

The first N05 train arrived in Norway in June 2025 to undergo extensive testing under local conditions, including winter trials. The timeline for entry into service will now depend on the outcome of the bogie investigation and any remedial measures required.