UIC Award for a Services project developed by Alstom Spain
A Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) trains modernisation project, led by Alstom Services unit in Spain, has been honoured with the prestigious Brunel Award at a ceremony recently held in London.
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These awards, jointly organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the Watford Group, recognise excellence in design, engineering, and quality in the international railway sector.
Since 2021, Alstom has been developing the refurbishment of 22 FGC trains (Serie 112), aiming to extend their operational life and significantly enhance passenger experience and comfort. The first renovated train entered commercial service on the Barcelona–Vallès line in March, marking a major milestone for the Alstom Spain Services team. The project continues with the remainder of the fleet, with the second refurbished unit scheduled to enter service in November.
The key improvements delivered by the project include:
. A completely redesigned interior, offering increased space, comfort, and natural light
. A new Passenger Information System (PIS) featuring 16 screens, speakers, and an intercom system
. Advanced CCTV surveillance both inside and outside the trains, accessible by drivers and the control centre
. Comprehensive refurbishment of both interior and exterior design, improving accessibility and comfort
. Installation of USB ports, new seating, and dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility
. Integration of a new ethernet communications network and advanced security systems
Thanks to these upgrades, the trains’ service life will be extended by up to 15 additional years, thus contributing to the sustainability of rail transport.
The Brunel Awards, organised jointly by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the Watford Group, are an international recognition of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in design within the global railway sector. Founded in 1985, they are named after the legendary British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
After more than a decade since the last edition in 2014, the 2025 ceremony reaffirmed the awards’ role as a benchmark for quality and creativity in railway design. This year’s edition received 117 entries from 23 companies across 12 countries on three continents, demonstrating the global commitment to advancing railway design.
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