NS wants IC Brussels 40 minutes
NS is investigating the enthusiasm of the Intercity Brussels among a panel of members by forty minutes too certain. This is possible by skipping many stations and deploying new equipment by 2025.
The Intercity Brussels currently between Amsterdam Central and Brussels South. In the NS plan, stops are no longer at Amsterdam Central, but at Amsterdam South. Next, measurements are taken at Rotterdam Central, Antwerp Central, Brussels Central and the terminal station Brussels South / Midi.
The stops Breda, Noorderkempen, Antwerp – Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport – Zaventem and Brussels North are skipped. NS can deploy the Intercity New Generation (ICNG), which runs at a maximum speed of 200 km/h. The current equipment travels at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Due to these measures, the travel time can be reduced from 2.43 hours to 2.03 hours.
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Plans are already further
The plan is now available for consultation with a panel of NS travelers, but it appears to be mainly a formality. The rail operator has had plans for some time to start international trains at Amsterdam South. From there, the connection can be extended to Lelystad.
In addition, the current carriages for the Amsterdam – Brussels connection will need to be replaced in 2025. NS has therefore already ordered a total of twenty new ICNG trainsets in 2016, which may have eight carriages, 410 seats per carriage, an extra toilet and extra luggage space. The INCGBs are suitable for the Belgian 3kV catenary voltage and the track protection system Ertms.
NS chairman Marjan Rintel announced in August 2020 already on to wish the travel time to Brussels and Berlin with the new equipment.