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C2A. Title: 185th project! Some EGTS updates (29/8/2026)... EGTS are getting 3 new new 200 km/h capable light regional multiple units which can run either overhead, LTO battery which can be fast charged with the Alstom SRS system, CNG and/or diesel power. They are also proceeding to renovate some of their trains, including some whole small series/sub-series of units because tiredness and other problems are catching up to them. This is called a mid-life renovation, meaning when a train reaches a certain age or a certain status of wear, it gets an overhaul which allows it to extend it's lifetime. This is cheaper and greener than buying new rolling stock as it avoids unnecessary manufacturing of new stuff and throwing aways trains that still have potential. All of the healthy components will be re-used to reduce waste as much as possible during the renovations and the renovations will also make the train more modern, energy efficient and with better passenger amenities and improved PRM accessibility. Also, the 3 SPT HMF's which are gonna be renovated will get fitted with the SRS battery recharge system during their renovations. These 3 units got upgraded with new LTO batteries replacing the old ones back in late 2025 and these new batteries have a total capacity of a whopping 1500 kWh. And since the Van Dooren line has the SRS system since 2018, this will allow the 3 refurbished SPT HMF trains to run on the 27 km long line (Was originally 24 km but got extended to 27 km in 2026) entirely with batteries. Currently, the Van Dooren line relies on 3 CDRC diesel multiple unit trains (There were 6 originally, but 3 got withdrawn and sent to EGTS's heritage railways) which are based on the UK Class 158 Express Sprinter trains and were built by BREL and GEC Alsthom (Alstom) in 1990-1991 and originally had Cummins NTA855-R1 diesel engines and Voith hydraulic transmissions. 2 of them have been modernized in 2009 with Iveco Cursor 8 engines and ZF Ecomat rail gearboxes, making them "Irisbuses (Iveco buses since 2013) on steroids". Then, in 2013, 3 more units have been upgraded with MAN D2066 LUH 53 engines and an electric transmission with new electric traction motors, some small Toshiba LTO batteries and Bombardier MITRAC VVVF drives (Similar to the Talent 2 or the NAT EMU's). And the last one still has it's original engines and transmissions. These have then been upgraded with Alstom SRS in 2018 apart from the one which still has it's OG engines and transmissions. But now, these reached 35 years of service since May 21st of 2026, which is when it's time to either modernize or retire a train. EGTS decides to withdraw them all by late 2026 (unknown date) and 3 already got withdrawn. However, all of these DMU's will be preserved and still run from time to time as heritage trains. Also, on the Van Dooren railway line, other trains are running to complete the 3 CDRC's and these are some SPT G2 and SPT G2 MSHT dual-modes, mainly the ones with H2 fuel cells or CNG engines as the diesel dual-mode variant is more suitable for long distances non electrified lines and mountains. And although, all CNG and diesel engines used on EGTS trains are powered by renewable fuels, diesels still emit more pollutants and emit more CO2 than bio-CNG, meaning EGTS equipped all of the trains equipped with diesel engines with SCR and CRT DPF systems. SCR needs AdBlue (diesel exhaust fluid) to work too... That means the trains powered by renewable H2 and CNG are the most suitable for this type of journey. BTW, the refurbished SPT HMF trainsets which will be fitted with the Alstom SRS system will enter service in 09/2026. This will likely cause the withdrawal of the last 3 CDRC trains.
