March 31, 2026
TER Modernization in Montigny-lès-Metz: An Innovative Rail Construction Project
A modern rail maintenance and storage facility in Montigny-lès-Metz
In Montigny-lès-Metz, the former rail maintenance center, which has been shut down since 2013 and has since been dismantled, is set to be completely transformed into a modern Maintenance and Storage Facility (SMR)*.
©Luc Muller - MF DRONE
This major project for the Grand Est region, co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is led by SNCF Voyageurs and entrusted to the teams at Ineo SCLE Ferroviaire and Ineo UTS, two subsidiaries of Equans France specializing in rail infrastructure. Spanning 47 hectares, the 14-track facility will handle the maintenance and cleaning of the 41 Fluo trains operating on the Lorraine route: Nancy–Metz – Luxembourg route, creating 50 new jobs and highlighting Equans France’s ability to contribute to the revitalization of the local industrial base.
*A modern Maintenance and Stabling Facility (SMR) is a rail facility equipped for the upkeep, maintenance, and secure stabling of trains. It uses advanced technologies to optimize the safety, efficiency, and availability of trains.
A state-of-the-art rail terminal focused on innovation and safety
Among the project's strengths are:
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The installation of 9 kilometers of service tracks, enabling optimized train traffic.
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The installation of 450 meters of retractable overhead wires, integrated directly into the building, facilitates maintenance and enhances the site’s modularity by allowing them to be lowered or isolated quickly.
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Safety is at the heart of the system with the deployment of “SIL4-equivalent”* signaling (the highest level of railway safety), which controls the movements of trains at the technical center.
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A personnel protection system has also been implemented to ensure the safety of the teams responsible for work on the trains.
*Equivalent to SIL4: The term “equivalent” means here that the geographic computerized control center (PMGI) is considered or treated as equivalent to a system meeting SIL4 requirements, even if it is not formally certified as such.
Equans France's Strong Commitment to the Energy and Industrial Transition
This project will involve up to 20 employees over a period of 19 months.
A phased rollout is planned for 2026, with the goal of reaching full capacity by the end of 2026.
The project is part of the national plan to modernize the French rail network, which calls for the renovation or reconstruction of numerous similar sites by 2032, in preparation for opening the market to competition.
This project showcases the technical expertise and innovative capabilities of the UNIFER consortium teams (Ineo SCLE Ferroviaire, Fornoni Amédée, EGIS, Equans France), positioning Equans France as a key player in rail infrastructure in France.
©Luc Muller - MF DRONE
