VMS-type vehicles, designed and assembled by HIAROM in Romania, are now part of Grand Paris Express — a €42 billion megaproject reshaping the transportation network in the French capital.
Currently underway in Paris, the Grand Paris Express aims to expand and reorganize the city’s metropolitan rail system, making it the largest infrastructure initiative in Europe. Supporting this massive effort are custom-built machines manufactured by HIAROM Invest, playing a vital role in the tunnel construction phase.
Following the breakthrough of Line 16’s first tunnel segment between Saint-Ouen and Aulnay by four TBMs, HIAROM’s multifunctional VMS units have been deployed for track laying and sleeper positioning — essential stages in the buildout of this fully automated metro system. No fewer than five VMS units from HIAROM are now active on-site, operated by construction giants ETF and Eiffage TSO. After a rigorous market assessment, both companies selected HIAROM to design bespoke machines tailored for tunnel environments. These vehicles are equipped with dual cabins at each end, allowing bidirectional movement through the tunnels while supporting a range of operations. Though new to the VMS segment, HIAROM has leveraged its extensive custom machinery experience to deliver vehicles that meet international expectations. Previous VMS units have already proven their value on infrastructure sites in Thailand and Qatar. The new model, VMS 424, represents a leap forward — a 50-ton, 8×8 drive unit capable of carrying 17 tons per axle and adaptable for diverse on-site needs. Depending on client specifications, it can be fitted with a HIAB crane for material handling, CIFA concrete mixers, or modular cabins for transporting up to 18 workers. One of its defining features is dual-mode mobility. The VMS 424 combines road axles with rail bogies, offering smooth operation on both terrains, including tight urban tunnels. Powered by a six-cylinder Caterpillar engine producing 205 kW and using hydraulic transmission with eight motors, the vehicle eliminates the need for a clutch and simplifies operation via joystick control.
Thanks to seamless integration with HIAB crane systems — also distributed by HIAROM in Romania — the entire unit can be controlled remotely, eliminating the need for additional control cabins and reducing the vehicle’s total length from 18 to just 15 meters. HIAROM’s contribution to this project reinforces its role as a strategic player in next-gen rail construction. Grand Paris Express, which includes four fully automated metro lines (15, 16, 17, and 18), will span over 200 kilometers of track and connect 68 stations by 2030, serving nearly two million daily passengers. With 90% of the network being built underground, the project is not only ambitious in scale but also in complexity — making reliable, adaptive machinery essential. The estimated budget stands at €35.6 billion, with an additional €7 billion set aside for unforeseen risks, pushing the final investment well beyond €42 billion.
