International rail

Knorr-Bremse secures its largest ever multi-system order in Chinese metro history

Knorr-Bremse is delivering braking and entrance systems to equip Beijing’s new metro line 17, as well as HVAC systems for the city’s line 19.

The deliveries started in the third quarter of 2020 and continue to the end of 2023, with the company providing technologies worth a mid-double-digit million-euro sum for 78 trainsets. Manufactured by Chinese train producer CRRC, the rail vehicles will be operated by Beijing MTR.

Dr Jürgen Wilder, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG and responsible for the Rail Vehicle Systems division, said: “Concluding our largest ever multi-system order in Chinese metro history is a tremendous success for Knorr-Bremse, and it enables us to further strengthen our foothold in the Chinese rail market.”

Dr Jonathan Paddison, Member of the Board of Directors of Knorr-Bremse Asia Pacific, said: “Public transportation is essential for the functioning of megacities, and it shapes how millions of people move around urban areas every day. Therefore, we are all the more pleased to contribute to better mobility by rail, help increase transport capacities and improve passenger comfort for the people of Beijing.”

Bombardier Transportation has been awarded a contract by Deutsche Bahn (DB) to modernise its current S-Bahn Stuttgart fleet, which consists of 423 and 430 series trains.

The contract is valued at approximately €103 million. The contract includes the provision of engineering services to redesign the fleets, along with modernisation and delivery of three converted prototype vehicles per series.

Dr Dirk Rothenstein, CEO of S-Bahn Stuttgart, said: “With the interior elements of our redesign, we are meeting the latest requirements for urban mobility. For passengers in the Stuttgart region, this means better passenger service and more space for wheelchairs, strollers as well as bicycles through additional multi-purpose areas.”

François Muller, Head of Services at Bombardier Transportation in Germany, said: “We are proud that our long-standing customer and partner S-Bahn Stuttgart relies on us as the vehicle manufacturer to modernise the existing Stuttgart area fleet.

“The fleet currently consists of 157 trains, many of which have been in reliable operation in the Stuttgart area for more than two decades and will be extended to 215 trains.

“They cover more than 23 million kilometres every year and bring more than four hundred thousand passengers safely to their destination every day. We look forward to making them fit and more comfortable for decades to come.”

Neomind Design Studio

Completion of rail link between Iran and Afghanistan

The first three parts of a 140km rail route which links Iran and Afghanistan have been inaugurated.

Construction of the Khawf-Herat railroad has been described as one of the key infrastructural projects by Iran's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development in the economy and development of the country and Afghanistan.

The route in total will be 225km. Phases 1 and 2 are from Khawf to Shamtiq in Iran and is 78km long, while Phase 3 is from Shamtiq to Rozanak in Afghanistan and is 62km long.

The project includes Rozanak Station, which is being constructed using Iran’s funding for the development of Afghanistan.

The construction of Phase 4, which is from Rozanak to Herat, is under consideration by Afghanistan’s authorities.

Wabtec and Keolis Group sign a Global Cooperation Agreement

Wabtec Corporation and Keolis have signed an international business development agreement to partner on commercial activities and the development of innovative products for the transit and freight industries.

The three-year agreement combines Wabtec’s product portfolio and Keolis’ transportation expertise in local markets to offer tailored solutions focused on HVAC energy efficiency, smart solutions for brakes, rolling stock monitoring systems and pantographs, as well as enhanced passenger information systems.

Lilian Leroux, President of Wabtec’s Transit business, said: “This agreement builds on the strong relationship between our two companies over many years.

“Our partnership reinforces the commitment to accelerate the deployment of solutions for a more sustainable and ‘greener’ world. It also underlines the value of our innovative product and solutions.”

Wabtec and Keolis have a shared vision of fostering sustainable operations. This agreement aims to provide operators with technologies that reduce energy consumption, accelerate the shift to green, and enhance reliability and performance.

Claire Martin, Executive Director Industrial Division, said: “For Keolis, this partnership with Wabtec is part of a strategy to structure the relationship with the major equipment manufacturers in the sector so that the group can continue to be seen as a global mobility operator.

“Given the Wabtec group’s presence in the various modes of transport – bus and coaches and guided transport – and on a multitude of systems, this agreement will enable the development of joint projects to improve the experience of our customers.”