A window pane permeable to mobile radio is on display at an online press conference of Deutsche Bahn. (picture alliance/dpa)
Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway operator, has placed a 1-billion-euro (1.14-billion-dollar) order for 30 high-speed trains with technology giant Siemens, the companies announced on Wednesday.
The order, which has the option of being extended by another 60 trains, is set to boost Deutsche Bahn's capacity by about 13,000 seats, according to the joint statement.
The new trains are to be in operation on railway lines connecting the western state of North Rhine Westphalia to the south-eastern German city of Munich.
"The entire DB fleet will grow by 20 percent over the coming years," Deutsche Bahn chief executive Richard Lutz said.
"Even though demand has sharply declined due to the coronavirus pandemic, everything speaks in favour of climate-friendly rail transport for the longer term," he added.
Siemens plans to manufacture the trains at locations in Bavaria and North Rhine Westphalia, as well as in Austria.
The trains can reach speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour and are equipped with "frequency-transparent" windows that - unlike current models - are designed to let in network signals, in the hope that Deutsche Bahn can improve phone and internet reception on board.
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