A DECREE SIGNED BY President Fernández of Argentina on January 15 confirmed an order worth US$121·6m that will see Chinese suppliers build 24 diesel-electric locomotives and 160 passenger cars for the San Martín commuter network in Buenos Aires.
The new rolling stock is to be supplied by builders China South, CSR Sifang and Qishuyan, as well as Shanghai Golden Source International. The Chinese government is providing 85% of the purchase price in the form of a 10-year intergovernmental loan, also involving Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, ABN AMRO and Agricultural Bank of China.
The first two formations each comprising one locomotive and six cars are due to arrive in Argentina at the end of 2008. Deliveries are scheduled for completion within two years.
On two commuter networks operated by TBA, Siemens has begun work on a 300m pesos resignalling project, covering the Once - Liniers section of the Sarmiento route as well as Retiro - José León Suárez/Bartolomé Mitre on the Mitre network. The four-year programme includes the installation of jointless track circuits, electronic interlockings and CTC.
