Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
SNCF Réseau approves tenders for Bordeaux-Toulouse high-speed line
SNCF Réseau approved launching two tenders for the new high-speed rail line linking Bordeaux and Toulouse in southwest France.
The project is part of the New South-West Line, which also includes a planned Bordeaux-Dax route.
SNCF Réseau says applications will be invited by the end of the year for the line’s design and construction.
The journey from Bordeaux to Toulouse is expected to take 1 hour 5 minutes by 2032 at the earliest.
The first phase covers 327 kilometres of new lines and rail improvements south of Bordeaux and north of Toulouse, with an estimated cost of 14 billion euros in current prices.
The project’s funders will track costs and timing, while SNCF Réseau oversees the work and its environmental and local-integration requirements.
SNCF Réseau approved launching two tenders for the design and construction of the planned Bordeaux-Toulouse high-speed line.
The railway is intended to cut the journey between Toulouse and Bordeaux to one hour and five minutes by 2032 at the earliest.
SNCF Réseau said the two calls for applications would be launched by the end of 2026.
The first phase also includes a new Bordeaux-Dax line and rail works south of Bordeaux and north of Toulouse.
The project’s estimated cost is €14 billion in current euros.
- Who
- SNCF Réseau approved the tenders. The project is funded by the French state, local authorities and the European Union.
- What
- Two tenders will cover the design and construction of sections of the planned high-speed line.
- When
- Approval was given on 5 November 2026. The line is planned to open by 2032 at the earliest.
- Where
- The project links Bordeaux and Toulouse in southwestern France.
- Why
- The line is intended to reduce the journey between Toulouse and Bordeaux to one hour and five minutes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The state, 24 local authorities and SNCF Réseau signed the project’s financing plan.
SNCF Réseau’s board approved launching the two tenders.
SNCF Réseau said the two calls for applications would be launched.
The line is intended to allow travel between Toulouse and Bordeaux in one hour and five minutes.
- Journey time
- One hour and five minutes between Toulouse and Bordeaux
- Target date
- 2032 at the earliest
- First-phase length
- 327 kilometres of new lines, including Bordeaux-Toulouse and Bordeaux-Dax
- Estimated cost
- €14 billion in current euros
- Funding shares
- 40% state, 40% local authorities, 20% European Union
What people are saying
The launch of the two calls for applications will take place by the end of the year
SNCF Réseau retains its responsibility as project owner by managing the project, setting the requirements that future contractors must meet and ensuring they are respected in terms of the environment and regional integration