During InnoTrans 2026’s Opening Ceremony, Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Association, emphasised the company’s dedicated focus on engaging with European rail suppliers to build a new high-speed network in the US.
Choudri joined Alstom CEO Martin Sion, Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter and Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný during the opening panel discussion. This marked the Authority’s first attendance at the global rail event, reflecting the project’s ongoing preparation for procuring major systems and rolling stock.
Choudri said:We are here to talk to all the different suppliers on the signalling, train control, power, traction power, and catenary systems. We would like to have everyone come to our booth, have a discussion with us, know the status of the project, and learn more about what we are investing in for the next five to seven years.
The California High-Speed Rail programme will eventually connect San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Authority is currently focused on delivering an initial section in the Central Valley, with around 200 miles expected to be completed over the next three to four years. The full planned system will cover approximately 776 miles, with trains designed to operate at up to 220 mph.
Choudri noted that the project is drawing heavily on established European railway technology rather than developing an entirely separate technical model for the US market. This includes ETCS-based signalling and train control, alongside the foundation of European standards to enable high-speed operations. By collaborating with European companies, he aims to avoid “reinventing the wheel.”
Building a US High-Speed Rail Market
California’s project also illustrates the wider opportunity for European manufacturers in North America.
Indeed, Alstom’s Sion described North America as a key pillar for the company, noting that the region has accounted for some of its largest orders over the past year. The company has also gained experience adapting European high-speed rail technology to the US regulatory and procurement environment through the deployment of the NextGen Acela fleet for Amtrak. He acknowledged that the process has not always been straightforward, but said the experience helped prepare the company for further opportunities across North America.
Siemens Mobility also has an established manufacturing presence in the US, including facilities in Sacramento and Lexington. Peter argued that the next stage of US rail development will depend in part on greater certainty around investment. He emphasised the need for more stable financing, especially for long-distance and high-speed rail projects.
He nevertheless pointed to developments already under way, including Amtrak’s introduction of its new Airo fleet, as evidence of activity in the US passenger rail market.
Notably, the US market is also attracting manufacturers that have not traditionally focused on North America. Škoda Group’s Peter said the company is still relatively new to the American market, but sees opportunities in fleet modernisation, components and other segments.
However, he also stressed that the US market requires a local approach and the ability to manufacture domestically, rather than simply exporting European products. This is particularly relevant given US procurement and domestic manufacturing requirements.
Leveraging Modern Technologies
In building an entirely new network, California High-Speed Rail has the opportunity to implement modern technologies from the outset, rather than having to modernise legacy systems. Choudri noted that being home to Silicon Valley, the state is well positioned to exercise its expertise in this field.
Indeed, California’s approach demonstrates how digital technology is becoming part of railway construction as well as future operations. For example, the Authority is already using AI to map underground utilities, support design and identify potential conflicts before construction begins.
The technology is also being applied to inspections and construction activities, and once trains enter service, AI and data-driven systems are expected to play a greater role in railway operations.
Resilience in Procurement
The California High-Speed Rail project is also being developed against a backdrop of supply-chain uncertainty and changing material costs. Choudri highlighted that the Authority has taken steps to secure supplies of key materials including steel, aluminium and copper, through advance purchasing and locked-in pricing. The programme spans multiple administrations, making long-term planning particularly important.
Furthermore, he described it as a programme worth roughly 150–200 billion USD over 15 years, so supply-chain decisions need to account for their economic impact on communities. Notably, the project has already ordered from suppliers in 11 states. It estimates that around 19,000 people have so far been involved in employment connected with the programme.
Overall, the discussion in Berlin highlighted that the US rail market continues to face significant challenges, but is attracting increasing attention from European suppliers. To succeed, California High Speed Rail anticipates the use of European products and technical standards. This therefore provides a direct link between the US project and the technology being demonstrated by manufacturers at InnoTrans.
The Authority’s presence in Berlin is thus intended to support procurement and establish relationships with suppliers as the project enters a period of significant investment. The Authority is also looking beyond traditional suppliers, with Choudri saying it is seeking additional public-private partnership opportunities.
Consequently, for the European rail industry, California represents a major infrastructure project and a test of how established railway technology can be adapted to the American market.
