Alstom to Modernise the Santiago Metro in Chile

Image Courtesy of Alstom

Alstom has been awarded a contract worth over 220 million euros by Metro SA, operator of the Santiago Metro in Chile, for the full modernisation of the Santiago metro network. The works will be executed in the Neptuno metro depot to maintain the availability of the trains and reduce the impact on operations. The modernisation will be complete by mid-2018.

Santiago has the second longest metro network in Latin America after Mexico City and the fourth largest metro network in the Americas in terms of ridership (over 2 million travellers per day). The trains, originally built by Alstom, have been circulating on the existing five lines of the Santiago metro network for more than 40 years.

The modernisation, starting with lines 2 and 5, will add about 20 years to the lifespan of the trains and bring a major improvement in terms of comfort, reliability and security for all commuters. The modernized trains will also be more environmentally friendly since they will use 30% less energy.

Alstom is in charge of the full modernisation of the 35 metro trains, composed of seven cars each. This includes project management, engineering, fitting of new traction equipment, supply of static converters for auxiliary equipment, a new communications system, new doors, new interiors and air-conditioning.

Alstom In-Charge of Train Maintenance

Alstom is also in charge of the technical assistance and maintenance of materials for a period of 10 years.

Alstom has a strong history in services for rail transport in Southern and Latin America and we are very pleased to continue this success story with a new modernisation contract, stated Michel Boccaccio, Senior Vice President Latin America for Alstom Transport. The modernisation of the fleet will allow Metro SA to take advantage of the latest technologies at a competitive cost compared to buying new trains. Passengers of Santiago Metro will appreciate the new travel experience with a modern and reliable metro fleet.

The project will generate around 150 local jobs. Alstom will provide a simulator for the operators to train them in driving the new trains. Alstom has been present in Chile for more than 50 years and is the main supplier of Santiago Metro, the regional Valparaiso Metro and Rancagua XPress.