Algeria: Siemens Largest Ever Railway Automation Order for Algiers

Image courtesy of Siemens

Siemens will deliver the signalling, safety and control systems for the Algiers metropolitan area rail network. The long-distance network is 140km long and will run trains at up to 160km/h.

Worth 340million, it is Siemens largest railway automation order to date. The order will be delivered by ESTEL RA, which is a joint venture comprised of Algerian Railways SNTF (Socit Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires), which is state owned, and Siemens.

Jochen Eickholt, CEO of the Mobility Division at Siemens, said:

“As rail automation market leaders, we are supplying state-of-the-art technology to Algeria: cross-border rail services at up to 160 km/h for passengers and freight, shorter headways and greater line utilization.”

Algiers Metropolitan Area Railway

Algiers is the biggest city in Algeria with a population of three million. It is also the key transport hub in the country. This investment by Algeria is intended to encourage a modal shift from road to rail in order to reduce congestion and improve mobility . Network commissioning is hoped to take place before 2020.

This contract comes as part of Algerias investment in infrastructure as part of a five-year economic stimulus package. The public transportation system in Algeria has received a significant portion of that investment .

The Algiers metropolitan railway network supports both freight and passenger trains, it comprises 18 stations and is 140km long in total. It will be fitted with signalling, safety and control systems, and shunting and telecommunications technology.

Siemens in Algeria

Siemens will deliver the first phase of equipping the network with ETCS European Train Control System. This allow trains to run at speeds of up to 160km/h and allow more trains per hour which will increase capacity.

The shunting technology will enhance the freight line; the cutting-edge cargo technology will maximise capacity of goods handling. Algerian staff will be trained to operate and maintain the system.

Siemens has already supplied ETCS signaling systems on mainline railway links from Boughezoul to M’Sila, to Tissemsilt, Mecheria to El Bayadh, Djelfa to Laghouat, and Beni Mansour to Bejaia, in addition to the key rail freight line between Senia and the Port of Arzew.