Alstom has won a $540-million contract to construct what will be the world's longest battery-powered tramway in Saudi Arabia. The catenary-free, 22.4-km-long project will feature 20 Citadis B battery trams manufactured by the French rolling stock manufacturer, and 17 new stations.
Alstom’s contract includes designing a comprehensive system for the tram project as well as integrating, installing, testing and commissioning its battery-powered system. The firm will deliver power supply, signaling, communication and depot equipment as well as providing full tram maintenance for at least 10 years.
The contract, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, was awarded in early January by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, a government agency with a mandate to preserve and develop the 2,000-year-old archaeological and historical site of Al-Ula in the northwest area of the country.
When completed, the tramway will open access to five major historical districts such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Al-Ula Old Town, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, Nabataean Horizon and Hegra Historical City.
The firm says it will use its 2014-introduced predictive maintenance tool, HealthHub, that enables it to “monitor the health of trains, infrastructure and signaling assets using advanced data analytics to predict their remaining useful life.”
The 20 trams will be designed and manufactured at Alstom's France-based production sites.
“This ambitious project aims to deliver unique transit options for residents and tourists, with innovative, climate-adapted trams,” said Alstom in a statement. The firm has a 70-year history of infrastructure work in Saudi Arabia. Mohammed Khalil, Alstom managing director in Saudi Arabia, said the project “incorporates many key elements including Saudi Arabia’s focus on environmental stewardship.”
Alstom also supplied 69 trains and an Urbalis signaling system for the Riyadh Metro’s lines 3,4, 5 and 6. Vision 2030 includes development of tramways and other rail systems in the country
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan includes developing of tramways and other rail systems for ease access to the country’s major tourism, cultural, agricultural, and residential sites.
