Delivery of the first section of the Algiers tramway

Alstom and ETRHB, partners in the Mediterrail consortium, have just delivered the first section of a tram line in Algiers - the first city in Algeria to install a tramway - to EMA (Entreprise du Métro dAlger / Algiers Metro Authority). The 8.7 km stretch of line links the Cinq Maisons (Les Bananiers) and Bordj El Kiffan (Dr Hammoud) districts in the eastern suburbs of Algiers. On 20 December, Transport Minister Amar Tou visited the site to inspect progress. EMA is now in a position to partially commission the tramway by spring 2011. The line, which will have two other sections*, will eventually cover 23 km and have 38 stations.

Alstom - the project leader for the Mediterrail consortium** - will be providing a comprehensive service that includes part of the civil engineering, all the infrastructure (platform, rails, electrification, signalling), the workshop-depot at Bordj El Kiffan and the centralized control point. Alstom is also supplying 41 Citadis tramsets, some 20 of which have been tested under operating conditions since May 2010 prior to entering into commercial service. The entire fleet will be delivered to EMA by spring 2011. Alstom will also be responsible for maintaining the equipment for the tramway and the Citadis tramsets for 10 years.

The transport infrastructure project is part of the development programme initiated by the Algerian government in response to a growing demand for public transport. As a structural feature of the capitals policy of expanding eastwards, this project is symbolic for the country, and the reintroduction of trams 50 years after they were phased out will contribute significantly to the development and modernization of Algerias main conurbations. Alstoms expertise and know-how have also led EMA to select it to construct tramways in Oran and Constantine.

To date, 1,477 Citadis trams have been ordered by 36 cities around the world. More than 60 other cities, including six in Algeria, have tramway projects planned in the coming years. Tramways are undeniably successful: they help to develop sustainable mobility, allow the rethinking and modernization of the urban area and enhance the architectural heritage of cities, whilst boosting urban and suburban services.

About Alstom

Alstom Algérie is helping to develop Algerian infrastructures through its three divisions (Transport, Power and Grid) in the context of a long-term partnership based on technology and sustainable development. The Transport division has continually increased its number of permanent employees in the country (to over 600 today) and has established cooperative relationships with its Algerian partners. Like the contract for the electrification of the Algiers suburban lines for ANESRIF-SNTF*** in 2009, those currently in progress for the tramways in Algiers, Oran and Constantine for EMA illustrate Alstoms commitment to delivering innovative, eco-friendly solutions to improve mobility within Algeria. Through its contracts and local investment strategy, Alstom is helping to develop Algerias infrastructure and railway equipment thanks to long-standing relationships that boost bilateral cooperation in transport whilst supporting growth and employment in the manufacturing sector. In November 2010, Alstom, EMA and Ferrovial signed a framework agreement on the establishment of a joint venture for the assembly and maintenance of tramsets..

Alstom Transport develops and offers the most complete range of systems, equipment and services in the rail market with sustainable transport always in mind. Alstom Transport is capable of managing complete transport systems, from rolling stock to signalling, maintenance and infrastructure, as well as offering turnkey solutions. In 2009-2010, Alstom Transport recorded sales of 5.8 billion. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and has 26,000 employees.

Press contacts:

Eric Lenoir
Tel. +33 (0) 1 57 06 18 74
eric.lenoir@transport.alstom.com

Laurent Gerbet
Tel. +33 (0) 1 57 06 92 83
laurent.gerbet@transport.alstom.com

Website: www.transport.alstom.com 
 

* The Hussein Dey - Cinq Maisons and Bordj El Kiffan - Dergana sections are under development. 

** The Mediterrail consortium consists of Alstom Algérie Spa, Alstom Transport SA, ETRHB and Todini.  

*** ANESRIF: Agence Nationale dEtudes et de Suivi de la Réalisation des Investissements Ferroviaires SNTF: Société Nationale du Transport Ferroviaire.  

• Infrastructure