Bombardier Wins First Rail Control Contract in Ethiopia

Oct. 8, 2014
Bombardier Transportation has won a contract to deliver the mainline signalling solution for Ethiopia's new 400 km Awash-Weldia line. The order awarded by Turkish construction company Yapi Merkezi, which is delivering the design and construction of the pr

Bombardier Transportation has won a contract to deliver the mainline signalling solution for Ethiopia's new 400 km Awash-Weldia line. The order awarded by Turkish construction company Yapi Merkezi, which is delivering the design and construction of the project, has a value of approximately 36 million euro (45 million USD).

Part of an investment programme by Ethiopian Railways to extend the country's rail network, the new link is to be equipped with Bombardier Interflo 250 solution. The system will be based on the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a global, standardised and state-of-the-art signalling system that will ensure the new railway's high utilisation and interoperability with other lines and new vehicles.

Erdem Arioglu, board member of Yapi Merkezi, stated, "This is one of the longest lines tendered as a turn-key project in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yapi Merkezi went through a very detailed selection process to determine its suppliers and sub-contractors and Bombardier was selected due to its proven track record and its successful, long-term cooperation with Yapi Merkezi on similar projects worldwide."

Peter Cedervall, president, division Rail Control Solutions, Bombardier Transportation, said, "Bombardier is proud to be selected to supply the signalling technology for this important part of the Ethiopian infrastructure investment programme. We are happy to once again work with our esteemed partner Yapi Merkezi and further strengthen our relations with the Ethiopian railway industry."

Bombardier's advanced rail control solutions have already been selected across Africa. This includes for the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link and Durban's Main Corridors in South Africa. In addition, the latest solutions were recently chosen for Zambia's north - south connection between Livingstone and Chingola and for the upgrade of Morocco's Casablanca to Tangiers line. Bombardier is also providing Algeria with its first ERTMS and advanced interlocking technology.