Alstom to supply ‘Trenes des Norte’ for new corridors in Mexico
posted on 29th Dec 2025 13:37
On 26 December 2025, Alstom has signed a contract with the Agencia Regualadora del Transporte Ferroviario (ARTF) for the supply of 47 four-car DMUs (33 long-distance and 14 short-distance ones), aimed for the Mexico City - Querétaro - Irapuato and Saltillo - Monterrey - Nuevo Laredo corridors. The ruling was announced on 15 December at a public meeting of the decentralized agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.
This project is part of the National Development Plan 2025 - 2030 and represents a decisive boost for passenger rail mobility in Mexico, connecting key regions in the center and north of the country and consolidating the revival of passenger train service.
It is a very first order of the diesel-powered Adessia trains. The contract is valued at approximately 20,2 billion Mexican pesos (around 920 million EUR). In addition to the supply of trains, the contract also includes comprehensive maintenance for five years, fitting out of maintenance depots, inspection and refuelling stations, as well as technical training and commissioning of the trains.
“This project exemplifies Alstom’s commitment to Mexico. 76.6% of the content for the trains will be made in Mexico. This level of local content boosts the Mexican railway industry, promotes technical specialization and strengthens the network of local suppliers, creating attractive jobs across the value chain. Manufacturing trains for Mexico, made in Mexico, isn’t about just one project, it is our long-term contribution to sustainable mobility and the development of the country," said Maite Ramos, Alstom’s general manager for the North Latin American region.
Locally called ‘Trenes des Norte’ (Northern Trains), the trains from Adessia Stream family will meet the highest international standards of modern mobility, reaching maximum speed of 165 km/h. Each unit will have an approximate length of 100 m and will allow double traction. The capacity will be around 300 passengers on long-distance and up to 600 on short-distance services. The trains will offer a comfortable, safe and contemporary experience, with full accessibility for people with reduced mobility (PRM) and real-time information systems.
Design: inspiration and cultural pride
The design of the Trenes del Norte seeks to resonate with Mexico’s identity and cultural pride, projecting a vision of modernity and innovation. The concept takes as a reference Nahuatl, a living language since the seventh century, and the Codex Boturini, an iconic manuscript that inspires the chromatic palette with earthy ochres, warm browns and pink tones that evoke the richness of the earth.
The front of the train is a striking embodiment of regional pride: inspired by the intense gaze of the puma, a symbol of strength and agility, with aerodynamic lines that convey dynamism and three horizontal lights that evoke the whiskers of the feline, creating a unique and recognizable visual signature.
On the outside, the long-distance train features a deep black ribbon flowing from the nose along the roof, reinforcing the sense of movement. A green band, taken from the Codex Boturini, provides refined contrast, while earth-brown doors ensure intuitive accessibility. The iridescent finishes reflect light and surroundings, giving the train a sophisticated and vibrant presence.
The short-distance design preserves this visual continuity, consolidating a solid identity for the Trenes del Norte. Windows integrated into a continuous black surface project modernity and safety, while the front light signature reinforces the promise of speed and cultural connection.
Made in Mexico
The trains will be manufactured at the Alstom plant in Ciudad Sahagún, located in the state of Hidalgo, which has international certifications and advanced processes for working with stainless steel and aluminium, ensuring quality and efficiency at each stage of production.
The Sahagún Plant is Alstom’s first largest manufacturing center in the Americas - and the company’s third globally - and will be in charge of the manufacture of the 47 DMUs. Located in an industrial area with more than seven decades of manufacturing experience, the location of the site offers strategic connectivity with the main logistics corridors of the country, allowing the efficient mobilization of materials, subassemblies and complete trains to any national or international destination. 2,000 locomotives and more than 3,500 cars have been manufactured at the site.
In 2025, Alstom officially received the “Made in Mexico” label, a government distinction that certifies products designed, manufactured, and assembled in the country under high standards of quality and innovation - underscoring the company’s commitment to strengthening the national industry and positioning Mexico as a key hub for world-class rail manufacturing.
