Draisy light train for small French lines

Draisy, a battery-powered light train developed by SNCF and Lohr, could begin operating on small local and rural railway lines in the Grand Est and Occitanie regions by 2029. These lines, which are often essential for connecting isolated areas, face closure due to low usage or aging infrastructure.

Small lines make up a third of France’s rail network

These small or very small local and rural railway lines represent a third of France’s rail network, covering 9,137 kilometers of tracks. Most of these tracks are not electrified, making them difficult and costly to maintain with traditional trains.

Draisy is lighter and cheaper than a TER

Draisy is significantly lighter and less expensive than a TER (Regional Express Train). It weighs 22 tons, less than half the weight of a TER, and can carry 80 passengers at a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Its acquisition cost is approximately 2.5 million euros, compared to 5.6 million euros for a classic TER.

Draisy is designed for short-distance travel

The train is intended for trips between 20 and 100 kilometers with a daily traffic volume of 1,500 passengers. It aims to replace diesel trains being phased out of small lines by 2030/2035 and could also operate on currently unused tracks.

France 2030 supports the project

The Draisy project is supported by the France 2030 program and benefits from a budget of 12.8 million euros, with state support through Ademe. Lohr provided updates on the project’s progress during the InnoTrans 2026 fair in Berlin.

Testing continues in Czech Republic and France

Lohr tested a "mulet" prototype (the running platform without the body) on the Velim railway loop in the Czech Republic. Preparations are also underway in Sarralbe-Kalhausen in Moselle for a demonstration line to test the vehicle in a real railway environment next year.

Two regions show interest in the project

Two regions, Grand Est and Occitanie, are interested in the project. The Grand Est region plans to use Draisy to replace aging equipment on two or three lines and to reopen small 20-kilometer lines. Occitanie has launched a study for a first experiment on the renovated Carcassonne-Limoux line.

Regulatory process aims for 2028 approval

The homologation sequence involves submitting a safety dossier to the EPSF (Public Railway Safety Agency) with the goal of obtaining authorization for passenger operation by the end of 2028. Julien Rat, director of rail at Lohr, said the results of the tests in Velim are very satisfactory.

Further prototypes and testing planned

A second prototype, closer to the series vehicle, is expected in 2027, followed by testing phases and experiments on a line in the Grand Est region between Sarralbe and Kalhausen. The year 2028 will be devoted to the homologation process, with commercial deployment planned for 2029.

Draisy will not operate on main lines

Compared to conventional trains, Draisy will have a reduced operating domain, remaining on small lines rather than entering the main network. The regulatory and safety requirements are fewer, which should speed up the homologation process.

Support from SNCF leadership

The project has strong support, including from Jean Castex, the head of SNCF, who praised its "economic and ecological" qualities during a visit to Duppigheim in February. However, SNCF is not financially committed to the project, as the regions purchase the rolling stock for local and regional services.