ALGERIA: The first Citadis tram for Ouargla arrived in the city from Cital’s factory in Annaba on December 20.
The Cital joint venture of Ferrovial (41%), Entreprise Métro d’Alger (10%), Alstom Transport France (43%) and Alstom Algérie (6%) is supplying 23 trams under a contract awarded in 2014. Each 44 m long vehicle has capacity for 400 passengers.
To cope with the desert climate, the trams are able to operate in temperatures up to 49°C. Adaptations include stronger air-conditioning, solar protection film on the windows, and protection of components against sand and dust ingress.
According to Alstom, the exterior livery is ‘reminiscent of the colours of the sun and the desert’, while the green interior is inspired by palm groves.
In addition to rolling stock, Alstom is supplying signalling, telecoms and power supplies including traction substations. It is also providing maintenance and ticketing equipment and operational assistance.
Expected to open at the end of 2017, the 10 km tram line with 16 stops will link El Ksar to Hai Nasr via the city centre.
