SNCF Voyageurs has presented the first TGV to undergo refurbishment under the O2D programme — an ambitious plan to keep its high-speed fleet running for up to half a century. This tri-voltage TGV Réseau is a pioneer in an effort to address the shortage of rolling stock in France, where demand currently exceeds supply by around 20%, according to passenger associations.
Facing the challenges of French high-speed rail
The operator is grappling with a constrained fleet and significant delays in the delivery of Alstom’s new TGV M trains. Originally scheduled to enter service in 2022, they are now expected to debut on the Paris–Lyon–Marseille route this July. This milestone will free up TGV Duplex sets, allowing older units to be withdrawn for refurbishment. Meanwhile, new players such as Kevin Speed, Velvet and Le Train are capitalising on opportunities within the domestic market.
The O2D programme, fully self-financed with €600 million, covers 104 of SNCF Voyageurs’ 360 trainsets: 28 TGV Atlantique units (built in 1990), 53 TGV Réseau units (1992), and 23 first-generation Duplex sets (1995). All were originally designed for a 34-year lifespan, meaning the Atlantique and Réseau fleets have reached the twilight of their operational life.
Assessment and customised work
Each train undergoes a detailed inspection upon arrival at the depot, covering its structure, bogies and electrical systems. Units in better condition receive light overhauls, while those in average condition undergo full refurbishment. The most worn-out sets are dismantled, providing up to 3,000 reusable components.
Work duration varies by train type. For single-deck units, which will see their lifespan extended by 2 to 4 years, refurbishment takes around a month. It includes seating, carpets, armrests, power sockets, LED lighting, on-board cafés and toilets, along with a fresh exterior repaint.
Refurbishing TGV Duplex units, which will gain between 10 and 15 extra years in service, can take up to six months. These trains will receive a complete interior refit — covering toilets, safety systems and air conditioning — and will be equipped with ETCS.
O2D production chain now operational
The first production line opened in September 2025 at Châtillon (Technicentre Atlantique, near Montparnasse). Since January 2026, additional sites have started operations at Rennes-La Janais, Le Landy (near Paris Gare du Nord), Hellemmes and TechniNat Longueau.
The plan is to complete refurbishment of 23 trainsets in 2026 and another 23 in 2027, with the entire programme due for completion by 2033.
Maintaining capacity and cutting emissions
The O2D programme will have a direct and measurable impact on SNCF Voyageurs’ capacity. From 2027, refurbished TGVs will preserve 17,700 seats within the national fleet. Between 2027 and 2034, this figure will rise by an annual average of 22,100 seats — equivalent to 52 trainsets or around 15% of the current TGV InOui capacity.
These gains complement other measures introduced since 2020 to increase availability: more efficient maintenance allowing faster turnaround, the growth of Ouigo from 38 to 50 trainsets by 2027, mid-life overhauls on 50 units adding 47 extra seats per train (from 509 to 556), and the suspension of withdrawals for trains still fit for service.
By extending the life of 104 trainsets, the O2D programme also reduces emissions by avoiding the need for new manufacturing — the highest-emission stage of a train’s lifecycle. This will save 6.7 MtCO₂, equivalent to more than 5% of France’s total transport emissions in 2023.