Eight international companies are interested in providing Israel Railways with electric carriages for its huge electrification project. This is one of the project's biggest tenders and senior sources in Israel's transport sector believe it is worth about NIS 4 billion.
The electrified trains that operate in most developed countries will substantially shorten journey times, reduce the number of breakdowns and cut air pollution. Electrified trains are also more reliable and save on costs.
The tender includes procurement of 60 double-decker railcars with about 330 carriages that can seat 33,000 passengers. This would increase Israel Railways current fleet by 35%.
The meeting for suppliers held today by Israel Railways was attended by companies from a ranger of countries including Siemens from Germany, Bombardier from Canada, Skoda from the Czech Republic, Hitachi from Japan, Alstom from France, Stadler from Switzerland, Hyundai from South Korea, CRRC from China, and Titagarh from India.
Double-decker railcars are based on technology that includes electrical transportation of the carriages without the need of a locomotive engine. This technology allows relatively fast acceleration and braking compared with diesel engines. In a small country like Israel this is an even more important advantage.
Israel Railways said today, "The company is preparing on all levels and through all means at its disposal for the electric age. Starting from huge international tenders for the supply of systems, locomotives, and carriages through setting up internal organizational guidance systems and depots designed to receive and maintain the electrical equipment."
The statement added, "Operating electric trains is a vital need so that the company can provide services that meet the expected level of demand and we are making every effort to remove obstacles and promote the project according to the timetable set."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 30, 2016
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