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First New Elizabeth Line Train Begins Final Checks

6/11/2026

44 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The first of ten new Elizabeth line Aventra Class 345 trains left Alstom’s Derby line and entered final checks.
The train will conduct trial runs near London and on the Elizabeth line before entering passenger service later this year.
Each unit, built at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works, contains five miles of welding, 50 miles of cabling, 47,700 screws, 31,700 bolts and supports nearly 40 UK companies and 1,000 jobs.

History

Historical Context

Crossrail, approved by TfL and the DfT in 2007 with an estimated £27 billion price tag, began construction in 2009 and faced delays before the Elizabeth line opened fully in May 2023. The first Aventra Class 345 train entered service in 2017, completing the new rolling-stock fleet for the line, supporting increased capacity across London’s commuter network.

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Story summary

The first of ten new Elizabeth line Aventra Class 345 trains left Alstom’s Derby line and entered final checks.
The train will conduct trial runs near London and on the Elizabeth line before entering passenger service later this year.
Each unit, built at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works, contains five miles of welding, 50 miles of cabling, 47,700 screws, 31,700 bolts and supports nearly 40 UK companies and 1,000 jobs.

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