Alstom has won a $540 million contract to build the world’s longest battery-powered tram in Saudi Arabia. The free catenary, 22.4 km The project will feature 20 Citadis B battery trams manufactured by the French rolling stock manufacturer and 17 new stations.
Alstom’s contract includes the design of a comprehensive system for the tram project, as well as the integration, installation, testing and commissioning of its battery-powered system. The company will deliver power supply, signalling, communication and depot equipment, as well as complete maintenance of the tram for at least 10 years.
The contract, which is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, was awarded in early January by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, a government agency mandated to preserve and develop the archaeological and historical site of Al-Ula, 2,000 years old. northwestern area of the country.
When completed, the tramway will open access to five important historical districts, including the sites of the Old Town of Al-Ula, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, the Nabatean Horizon and the historic city of Hegra, which have been declared World Heritage Humanity by UNESCO.
The company says it will use its predictive maintenance tool introduced in 2014, HealthHub, which allows it to “monitor the health of trains, infrastructure and signaling assets using advanced data analytics to predict their remaining useful life” .
The 20 trams will be designed and manufactured at Alstom’s production centers based in France.
“This ambitious project aims to offer unique transit options for residents and tourists, with innovative and climate-friendly trams,” Alstom said in a statement. The firm is 70 years old history of infrastructure works in Saudi Arabia. Mohammed Khalil, Alstom’s managing director in Saudi Arabia, said the project “incorporates many key elements, including Saudi Arabia’s focus on environmental management.”
Alstom also supplied 69 trains and an Urbalis signaling system for Lines 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Riyadh Metro. Vision 2030 includes the development of trams and other rail systems in the country.
