Alstom consortium wins deal to Algerian tramway

8158 Alstom and its three consortium partners, Corsan, Corviam and Cosider is to extend Algeria’s Constantine area tramway, for which Alstom will supply the integrated system, tracks, catenaries, telecommunications and signalling, substations and ticketing equipment.

Alstom’s share of the contract, awarded by Entreprise Metro d’Alger (EMA), Algeria’s public transport operator, amounts to around US$87 million. Completion of the extension is scheduled for 2018.

The ten kilometre extension will link the existing station of Zouaghi with the new city of Ali Mendjeli and with the Mohamed Boudiaf airport. Since its inauguration in July 2013, the tramway has already carried more than 7.2 million passengers. Its extension towards the new city, which is densely inhabited, will further increase this ridership.

The extended line, which will span 18 kilometres in total once work is completed, will be equipped with the first Citadis trams manufactured by Cital, Alstom’s local joint-venture, formed with 4419 Ferrovial and EMA in 2010. Through Cital, Alstom is well placed to meet the growing need for tramway systems across the country and to support the development of Algerian cities.

“By placing this new order, EMA confirms once again its confidence in Alstom’s integrated tramway solutions. Alstom is proud to participate in the development of Constantine’s public transport network through a mode that is sustainable, fluid, comfortable and accessible to all passengers”, said Gian-Luca Erbacci, senior vice president of Alstom Transport Middle East and Africa.