Length of Middle East rail networks set to double

28 October 2013

Bombardier says there is a compelling vision to reform transport across the region

The length of rail track in the Middle East is set to double, as governments build new transportation systems.

“There is compelling vision to complete reform mobility across the region,” said Philippe Casgrain, vice president – EMEA systems division, Bombardier Transportation, speaking at MEED’s Mena Rail & Metro Summit in Abu Dhabi on 28 October.

“Track in the region is set to double to 36,000 kilometres, led by Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, the buzzword is expansion, expansion, expansion.”

Canada’s Bombardier is an active player in the region’s rail sector. In July, this year it secured a contract to supply systems and trains for the Arriyadh New Mobility Consortium (ANM) on Riyadh Metro. The contract involves Bombardier supplying 47 of its Innovia Metro 300 two-car driverless trains equipped with Mitrac propulsion technology.

It is also supplying the rolling stock for the people-mover system serving concourse 4 at Dubai International airport. The rail line will connect the existing Terminal 1 with concourse 4.

For new work, Bombardier is one of the prequalifiers for the contract to supply the systems, rolling stock and track work to Qatar Railways Company for phase one of the Doha metro. Bids are due in on 20 January 2014.

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