The Dutch national rail authority has signed a 800-million-euro ($885 million) deal with French transport giant Alstom to buy 79 new high-speed trains, set to go into service by 2021.

"Dutch Rail and Alstom have concluded a contract for delivery of 79 high speed Intercity trains capable of a speed of 200 km/h (120 miles per hour)," Dutch Rail (NS) said in a statement.

"The value of the contract is worth more than 800 million euros (885 million), the statement said, adding the new trains will put 25,000 new seats on the lowlands country's extensive rail network.

The new trains are based on Alstom's "Coradia-design" of which 2,400 trains have already been sold to customers in other countries.

Service is scheduled to start on the line between Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the southern city of Breda in 2021.

"Alstom is the best fit for Dutch spending requirements," the Dutch rail operator said.

The new trains will be fitted out with the latest technology including wifi, television screens beaming travel information, power and USB connections and intelligent LED lighting.-TradeArabia News Service