There has been an outcry from Dutch MPs over the unfolding disaster that is the Fyra high-speed train project, as the Belgian rail operator NMBS pulled out of the plan citing safety concerns.

Connection between Amsterdam and Brussels

The Fyra project began late last year, connecting the Dutch and Belgian capitals by way of the high-speed trains in place of the intercity services.

However the trains, constructed by Italian company AnsaldoBreda, have experienced many problems from the outset. Fears for the safety of passengers led to the suspension of the service earlier this year in order to address the issues.

Parliamentary inquiry

This past Friday, however, the Belgian train operator NMBS decided that the project was not worth following through on due to the dangers associated with the trains.

The NS quickly followed the Belgian announcement and cancelled their order for the remaining trains from the Italian factory.

With reports that it could cost the Dutch government upwards of 500 million euros, there was an outcry from some Dutch MPs. This has led to the scheduling of a formal parliamentary inquiry into the debacle.

Searching for an alternative

The search for an alternative has already begun, with the NS suggesting either an increase in intercity services between The Hague and Brussels or an increase in Thalys services.

However, the fallout from the parliamentary inquiry could lead to the NS losing its right to operate the high-speed connection.

Source: NRC