French rail giant Alstom receives a €538 million contract for battery-powered trains in New Zealand.
In a significant development for sustainable transportation, the European Railway Agency (ERA) has recently approved the Traxx Universal locomotive featuring the EbiCab 2000 European Train Control System (ETCS). Meanwhile, across the globe, Alstom has secured a €538 million contract from the Greater Wellington Regional Council in New Zealand for the provision of 18 battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains.
Alstom's managing director, Pascal Dupond, expressed gratitude for partnering with several New Zealand councils and agencies. The trains, named 'Tūhono', will incorporate Te ao Māori and cultural elements significant to Aotearoa New Zealand in their livery.
Each train will accommodate up to 475 passengers and operate at speeds reaching 120kph. The onboard battery of the trains will enable emission-free operation through the 9km Remutaka Tunnel. The trains will also facilitate emission-free operations on non-electrified sections of the Wellington rail network, specifically on the Wairarapaa and Manawatu lines.
The trains will be equipped with intelligent train control systems and will feature amenities for passengers such as wheelchair access, bike storage, luggage space, and facilities including toilets, vending machines, and water dispensers. New technologies will be introduced to New Zealand, including HealthHub condition-based and predictive maintenance systems, as well as a connected driver advisory system.
The design of the trains is based on Alstom's Adessia commuter trains platform, tailored to meet the specific requirements of Wellington's operational environment. A maintenance facility will be established in Masterton, designed by the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
This contract marks the introduction of the first BEMU commuter trains in New Zealand. The trains will not only contribute to the country's efforts towards a more sustainable transportation system but also set a benchmark for future rail projects.
The article was originally published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. It is worth noting that this contract follows previous orders for BEMU trains in Germany and Ireland. The trains will be produced at Alstom's manufacturing facility in Savli, India.
Stadler Rail, another leading rail manufacturer, had also received an order from the Greater Wellington Regional Council for 18 electric trains worth 538 million euros in New Zealand. However, the details of this order are yet to be disclosed.
This news is a testament to the growing global interest in sustainable and efficient rail solutions, and Alstom's commitment to delivering innovative and tailored solutions to meet the needs of its clients and the environment.
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