Tunis to relieve congestion

Tunis is pressing ahead with plans to alleviate its huge congestion problem, with a doubling of its light rail system and the electrification of suburban rail lines.

Societe du Metro Leger is increasing the length of the Tunis light rail system from 32 kilometres to 60 kilometres. An award is expected by the end of February on the estimated Eur 20 million ($26 million) contract to build an 11-kilometre extension to the university campus at Mannouba. Bidders include Siemens and Vossloh, both of Germany, and France's Alstom. Construction of an 11-kilometre extension to El-Mourouj in the south is already under way by Alstom.

Alstom is also hoping to sign a contract by the summer to supply nine more trams for the network at a cost of about Eur 24 million ($31 million). The company already has an estimated Eur 100 million ($130 million) contract to supply 30 trams. The first two are due to be delivered in March.

'The metro project shows the dedication of the Tunisian government to improve its mass transport system,' says an Alstom spokesperson. Bids were also due by 31 January for the electrification of the 23-kilometre-long suburban line between Tunis and Borj Cedria to the south. Preparatory work, including bridge modifications, has already begun.

An estimated Eur 150 million ($195 million) contract to provide 24 four-coach trains to run on the line is set to be awarded in the summer.

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