Chile places suburban train order

Alstom is to build and maintain 12 new X’Trapolis suburban trains for Chile’s state-owned rail operator, Empresa de Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE).

The €70 million order follows an order placed in October 2012 for another 12 electrical-multiple units (EMUs) for regional rail routes between Santiago and the cities of Nos and Rancagua, and the cities of Valparaíso and Limache.

The trains are scheduled to be delivered at the beginning of 2015.

The X’Trapolis trainsets, which have a maximum speed of 120km/h, will operate in two-car configurations.

Julio Friedmann, country president of Alstom Chile, said: “Once again, Alstom is proud to be part of the modernisation process of suburban trains in Chile, improving the safety, comfort and quality of the transport system.

“This is the second contract in a short period of time in Chile and Alstom is fully committed to supporting Chile’s public transportation project.”

Alstom will integrate signalling and coupling systems in the delivery of the contract.