The NS has officially decided to stick with Spanish train manufacturer CAF, despite facing strong political pressure, moral criticism, and past mechanical delivery issues. Legal experts and human rights organizations heavily criticized CAF for its controversial business involvements, specifically its participation in constructing a light-rail line connecting West Jerusalem with illegal settlements in the West Bank, RTL reports.

NS confirmed that there is no legal framework under European procurement law to exclude or terminate its partnership with CAF on moral grounds. Consequently, the doors remain open for both the execution of their massive current order and potential future contracts.

NS responded that EU procurement laws tightly bind public entities. A spokesperson clarified, “At this moment, it is impossible to exclude companies based on moral grounds… You can only exclude parties if there is a statutory, legal obligation or basis for it.”

Beyond geopolitical issues, CAF has faced scrutiny over previous projects, including delivery delays and operational complaints. However, NS held closed-door talks with CAF leadership and chose to continue the partnership.

The decision preserves a massive rolling stock overhaul for the Dutch main rail network. The order consists of the Dubbeldekker Nieuwe Generatie (DDNG), which is built on a specialized double-decker version of CAF’s Civity Duo platform. The baseline contract, worth more than €600 million, calls for 60 trains (split evenly between 30 four-car units and 30 six-car units) offering roughly 30,000 passenger seats.

The DDNG features a unique combined layout, single-decker end cars for level, wheelchair-accessible boarding, and double-decker middle coaches to maximize commuter capacity. Production of the first physical trainsets is actively underway at CAF’s factory in Beasain, Spain. The first completed DDNG trainsets are still heavily projected to arrive on Dutch tracks and enter passenger service by 2029.

The active agreement includes a framework allowing NS to place subsequent bulk orders to bump the total capacity up to 80,000 seats. NS retains options to order future variations of these CAF trainsets equipped with technical safety systems tailored for international cross-border routes into Belgium and Germany.