INDIA: Alstom has begun production of the electric multiple-units ordered for the 82 km Delhi – Ghaziabad – Meerut Regional Rapid Transport System commuter line.
The Rs25·77bn rolling stock contract awarded by National Capital Region Transport Corp in May 2020 covers 30 six-car 25 kV 50 Hz EMUs for 160 km/h regional services on the route from Delhi, and 10 three-car high capacity units to work intra-city local services on the 21 km 13-station section between Meerut South and Modipuram Depot. It also includes the provision of 15 years of comprehensive maintenance services.
Alstom said the fleet would be 100% indigenously manufactured, with more than 80% localisation. The cars will be assembled at its factory at Savli in Gujarat, which will produce the bogies and bodies and undertake testing, with the propulsion systems and electrical systems supplied from the factory at Maneja in Gujarat.
Wabtec has been awarded a US$15m contract to provide braking systems, pantographs, roof disconnector switches and passenger information systems, which will have ‘substantial’ content produced locally in line with the government’s Make in India strategy.
‘This project is a game-changer in India’s regional rail segment, benefiting millions of people and contributing towards socio-economic development’, said Alain Spohr, Managing Director of Alstom India on July 16. ’We are happy to begin local manufacturing of these technologically advanced trains for the country’s first semi high speed commuter service.’
