Alstom has welcomed an announcement by the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) naming Sihamba Sonke Mobility (SSM) Consortium as the successful bidder for the next Gautrain concession.
As both a shareholder and strategic industrial partner of SSM Concession; Alstom will play a key role in the modernisation and long-term performance of the flagship African mobility system whilst building on its longstanding involvement with Gautrain.
For its part, Alstom’s scope, which represents a cumulative contract value of 800 million EUR over the 15-year concession period, will see the company utilise its integrated portfolio, including its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) activities for the rail system modernisation and refurbishment programme.
This will include the delivery of eight new trains manufactured in Gauteng, a new signalling system, communications upgrades, the refurbishment and modernisation of the existing fleet, together with long-term rail maintenance services. Together, these developments are designed to provide increases in system capacity and train frequency, enhance the passenger experience and secure the long-term performance of the Gautrain network.
Elsewhere, the programme will seek to build on Alstom’s industrial footprint in South Africa, with all trains set to be manufactured at the company’s Ubunye facility in a bid to support skill development, local industrial growth and the expansion of the South African rail supply chain.
Tristan le Masne, Alstom Southern Africa Managing Director, said:For thousands of commuters across Gauteng, this next phase of the Gautrain project represents seamless and more reliable mobility. Travellers will benefit from more frequent train service and smoother connections across the network.
Together with our consortium partners, we are committed to delivering a better travel experience for South Africans.
