TGV Rhine-Rhone, France

Operator

SNCF

Opening date

2011 (planned)

Route length

425km split into three sections:

Maximum line speed

320km/h

Gauge

1,435mm

Voltage

25kV AC, 50Hz

Type

TGV

Builder

Alstom, Francorail-MTE, de Dietrich

Fleet total

300+

Build date

1978-present

Electrical equipment

Alstom

Trainset power

6,300kW to 9,000kW

First phase of new project will massive reduce journey times between France and Switzerland, France and Spain and France and Germany

Construction began in June 2006 with a 2011 opening date scheduled

Finance has come from France and Switzerland to the tune of €2.3bn

160 bridges to be built along the eastern branch

Western and southern branches at preliminary study stage

320km/h operation planned