End of an Era: Last NMBS Diesel Train Departs from Hasselt

An era comes to an end today at NMBS. On Tuesday morning, September 8, the railway company’s last diesel train in Limburg departed from Hasselt. The well-known diesel trains, which for years ran between Hasselt, Mol, and Hamont, among other destinations, are thus being phased out of regular service in the region.

Today’s final trip took on a symbolic significance. The diesel train departed from the Hasselt station on its final journey to the repair shop in Melle. For the time being, the rolling stock will continue to be used on rail lines around Ghent where there are no overhead wires yet.

A familiar sight in Limburg for many years

For many years, diesel trains were a familiar sight on the rail lines of Limburg.

Among others, the connection Hasselt–Mol was served by these trains. These trains also ran on the route between Hamont and Antwerp .

For train enthusiasts, the departure from Hasselt therefore marks the end of a well-known chapter in Limburg’s railway history.

Electric trains are taking over

The main reason for the phasing out of diesel trains is the ongoing electrification of the Belgian rail network.

More and more rail lines are equipped with overhead wires, allowing NMBS to operate electric trains. According to the railroad company, these trains are also more efficient on lines that are fully electrified.

Climate goals also play a role in the gradual phase-out of diesel rolling stock. In addition, diesel trains are more expensive to maintain than electric trains.

Not a final goodbye yet

Although the last diesel train departed from Hasselt today, this does not mean that the trains will be completely taken out of service immediately.

For the time being, the equipment is being moved to Melle. There, the trains can still be used on lines around Ghent where the rail infrastructure has not yet been fully electrified.

The farewell in Hasselt thus marks, above all, the end of the diesel train as a regular fixture on Limburg’s commuter lines.

From Limburg to the History Books

The departure of the last diesel train from Hasselt marks the end of a remarkable chapter. While passengers have long been accustomed to the distinctive sound of a diesel engine on the Limburg lines, electric trains will increasingly dominate the landscape.

For rail enthusiasts, however, the rolling stock will remain on display in Belgium for the time being. So the last diesel train from Limburg hasn’t disappeared yet, but it has said a final goodbye to its familiar territory.

Sources

• TV Limburg (TVL) – coverage of the final run of the NMBS diesel train from Hasselt, September 8, 2026.

• NMBS – information about passenger rolling stock and the gradual transition to electric trains.

• Infrabel – information about the electrification of the Belgian rail network.

This article was independently compiled by TrainNews based on the sources cited. The text is not a verbatim reproduction of the original report.