Three bidders have prequalified to supply 12 new trains for South Africa’s Gautrain rail network.
Bombardier Transportation, CRRC E-Loco Supply and Egoli Rail Consortium will all go through to the next phase of the procurement.
The order is expected to be finalised by the end of 2017. As well as new trains, there will be a wider project to build new depot facilities and to update the Gautrain’s signalling systems.
“The acquisition of 12 new trains over the next 36 months will help to alleviate congestion that Gautrain passengers experience in the morning and evening peaks,” said Gauteng Member of the Executive Council Dr Ismail Vadi.
Bombardier’s Derby site in the UK led the design and manufacturer of the current Gautrain fleet. For this new order, Gauteng’s provincial government will require a minimum 65 per cent local content be used in the production.
