Alstom, in partnership with the Sihamba Sonke Mobility (SSM) Consortium, has won a contract to modernise and upgrade the railway network in Gautrain, South Africa.

The contract is worth €800 million for 15 years of a concession for an integrated portfolio, which includes the engineering, procurement and construction activities required to modernise and upgrade the rail system.

The work is designed to increase the system’s capacity and frequency, improve passenger comfort, and secure the long-term performance of the network.

The overall contract includes the supply of eight new trains, which will be manufactured locally in Gauteng, a new signalling system, and upgrading the communications network.

It also includes refurbishment and modernisation of the existing fleet of trains and a long-term maintenance contract.

Tristan le Masne, Managing Director, Alstom Southern Africa, commented that thousands of commuters across Gauteng will benefit from more frequent train service and smoother connections across the network.

The programme will also establish Alstom in South Africa by constructing the new trains at Alstom’s Ubunye facility, where it will support skills development, provide local industrial growth, and expand Alstom’s presence in the South African rail industry.

Alstom has considerable experience in the Gautrain network, as it is the network’s current maintenance contractor.

Alstom has been involved in the Gautrain network since it opened, and it has shown to have one of the highest reliability and availability figures of any rail system in the region.

As well as building trains for South Africa, Alstom also has contracts to supply new trains to the Sydney Metro in Australia, and to deliver a new Long Distance, Regional and Remote (LDRR) fleet for Canada.

“For thousands of commuters across Gauteng, this next phase of the Gautrain project represents seamless and more reliable mobility. Travellers will benefit from more frequent train service and smoother connections across the network. Together with our consortium partners, we are committed to delivering a better travel experience for South Africans.”

Tristan le Masne, Alstom Southern Africa Managing Director.