A TGV Duplex train - The high-speed train in France

TGV Duplex

A TGV Duplex trainset in Paris-Gare de Lyon (trainset 202)

The TGV Duplex trains were brought into service in 1996. These trains can convey more passengers (an increase of 45% in the capacity) than the TGV Sud-Est trains. These "double-decker" trains mainly circulate on the Paris - Marseille - Nice line. Consequently, the success of the Mediterranean TGV line (TGV Méditerranée), inaugurated in June 2001, has largely been due to the TGV Duplex trainsets.

A 1^st class coach of a TGV Duplex train in the station of Marseille Saint-Charles
with the logo of the "Train Capitale" rail show

After an initial order of 30 trainsets (trainsets 201 to 230), the SNCF (French Railway Company) receives each month two or three new TGV Duplex trainsets built in the Alstom factories in Belfort (France) (from trainset 231).

Two TGV Duplex trainsets in Multiple Unit in Roquefavour (near Aix-en-Provence TGV)

The project of new TGV Duplex trains with an increased number of seats is being studied for an increased traffic on the TGV Mediterranean line.

Characteristics of a TGV Duplex train :

· 2 power coaches

· 8 cars

· TGV capacity : 516 seats

· 4 powered engines

· 9 non-powered engines

· 8 AC synchronous traction engines

· Total weight of a TGV train : 424 tonnes

· Total length : 200 m

· Two-voltage train :

- 1500 V DC

- 25000 V AC 50 Hz

· Maximum power : 8800 kW

Photos of the TGV Duplex