Prasa signs multi-billion rand train upgrade

"Through the rolling stock programme, [Prasa] is in the process of buying at least 7,224 new rolling stock with a projected investment of R123bn over 20 years," spokesman Moffet Mofokeng said in a statement.

"The first phase, worth R51bn, was signed with Gibela (led by French multinational Alstom) for the supply of 600 passenger trains to be delivered between 2015 and 2025," Mofokeng said.

"The contract includes the construction of a local manufacturing facility. In addition to this contract, Gibela will provide technical support and supply spare parts over an 18-year period," he said.

The contract was signed in Sandton, Johannesburg at an event attended by President Jacob Zuma and French President Francois Hollande.

A purpose-built manufacturing plant would be erected in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, to produce the trains. Construction was due to start early next year.

Ageing trains currently in service in the country's major cities would be replaced with 1,200 electric trains over a period of 20 years.

"We believe our trains will set a high standard in serving the interests of commuters," said Alstom's head Henri Poupart-Lafarge.

One of the trains to be built was the 'X'Trapolis Mega' developed to fit the country's tracks. "This train can travel at speeds of up to 120km/h with the ability to be upgraded to 160 km/h. Each single-deck train is composed of six cars and is able to carry more than 1,300 passengers," Mofokeng said.

"The project will create over 1,500 direct jobs in the local factory and 33,000 indirect jobs over the first 10 years," he added.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge