Dutch Rail may lose its concession to operate high speed trains to Belgium because of its decision to pull out of the Fyra project, Nos television reports on Tuesday morning.

The NS said on Monday evening it is also cancelling its orders for Fyra trains, three days after Belgian railway firm NMBS pulled the plug on the project. Continuing with the project would be ‘irresponsible and not desirable for passengers’, the state-owned rail firm said in a statement.

NS and Dutch airline KLM won the tender to provide high speed services until 2024. In return, they pay the state an annual fee.

Friday

‘It is important to the cabinet that travellers have a proper alternative as soon as possible,’ the minister said in her briefing to parliament. She has given NS until Friday to come up with an alternative solution. But removing the concession is an option, the minister said.

Opposition CDA and D66 parliamentarians have also called for alternative service providers to be considered.

According to the Telegraaf, a majority of MPs want a parliamentary inquiry into the debacle, which may cost the state up to €500m, according to some experts.

Problems

High-speed train services between the two capitals began last December and all intercity services were stopped. But the Fyra service – a joint venture between the Belgian and Dutch national railways – was dogged by problems and was suspended earlier this year.

On Friday afternoon, Belgian rail operator NMBS said it was pulling out of the Fyra project because of a string of technical problems, ranging from loose components and rust to leaks in the snow.