Paris, January 10 – The ambitious Paris-Normandy New Rail Line (LNPN) project, thirty years in the making, has been officially relaunched following the validation of its roadmap on Friday, January 9, 2026. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the high-speed rail initiative, with studies slated to commence this year.
A Long-Awaited Revival for the LNPN
The LNPN, initially conceived in 1991 as a high-speed line (Ligne à Grande Vitesse), has faced numerous hurdles and delays. However, a recent “climate warming” between the Normandy and Île-de-France regions, as described by Pierre Bédier, President of the Yvelines Department, has paved the way for its revival. The project’s renewed momentum was underscored by the personal presence of Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, who chaired the steering committee meeting on January 9.
Minister Tabarot reiterated “the government’s full and unwavering support for the continuation of this project of national interest.” This statement, coupled with the recent appointment of Gaëlle Le Roux as project director, signals a clear commitment to advancing the LNPN after a period of contention between regional presidents Hervé Morin (Normandy) and Valérie Pécresse (Île-de-France).
Key Principles and a Refounded Project
The Ministry of Transport confirmed that the roadmap was “validated to result in a refounded project by autumn 2026.” The involved parties have agreed upon several key principles, as outlined by Matthieu Chabanel, CEO of SNCF Réseau:
- Arrival of Normandy trains at Saint-Lazare station in Paris.
- Creation of a new Saint-Sever station in Rouen.
- Requirement for four tracks between Paris and Mantes-la-Jolie.
- Maintenance of stops for Normandy trains in the Mantois and Bonniérois areas.
- Flow of freight (goods trains) from Le Havre.
These principles aim to address critical aspects of the project, including passenger and freight transport, and ensure efficient connectivity between Paris and the Normandy region.
Studies to Be Launched “In Record Time”
According to Jean-Baptiste Gastinne, Vice-President of the Normandy Region, SNCF Réseau is now tasked with launching the necessary studies “in record time,” with a target completion by next autumn, as set by the government. The project faces known challenges, particularly regarding circulation in the Yvelines and the management of freight traffic. Solutions to these issues are crucial for launching the public inquiry by 2028.
In parallel, efforts will be made to coordinate the LNPN project with other ongoing rail initiatives. This coordination could potentially lead to a “study of a bypass of Île-de-France via the north through Amiens,” as revealed by Gastinne. Such a bypass would enable a connection between the Atlantic axis, which includes Normandy, and the east of France, representing a comprehensive program for regional and national rail integration.
Impact on Regional Connectivity and Beyond
The relaunch of the LNPN project holds significant implications for regional connectivity, particularly for the residents and businesses of Normandy and Île-de-France. Improved rail infrastructure is expected to enhance travel times, boost economic development, and facilitate the movement of goods between key urban centers and ports.
The project’s scope extends beyond direct passenger transport, with a strong emphasis on freight flow from Le Havre, a major port. This aspect highlights the LNPN’s role in strengthening national logistics and trade routes.
While the project’s completion remains some years away, the validation of the roadmap and the imminent launch of studies represent a substantial step forward. The collaborative efforts between regional authorities and the national government underscore a shared vision for modernizing France’s rail network and fostering sustainable transportation solutions.
Further updates on the LNPN project, including the progress of the studies and the public inquiry schedule, are anticipated as the initiative moves forward in 2026 and beyond.
