ISRAEL: Bombardier Transportation has begun design work for the US$15m mid-life overhaul of Israel Railways’ fleet of 143 first generation Twindexx double-deck coaches supplied in 2002-06.
The programme will include modernisation of internal and external doors, toilet accessibility improvements and replacement of the passenger information systems and 400 V jumper cables.
A pilot set of vehicles will be refurbished first, with the entire fleet scheduled to be completed by January 2023.
The mid-life overhaul is the latest step in a six-year programme to prepare the double-deck fleet for operation at up to 160 km/h with Traxx electric locomotives. This has included the installation of magnetic track brakes as well as additional diagnostic and safety systems.
