Photo by: Alstom
French rail group Alstom has been contracted to provide 26 Citadis tram kits, worth $85-million, to the city of Setif, in Algeria – the seventh city in the North African nation to adopt this rail system.
Alstom would deliver the tram kits to Cital, a joint venture (JV) comprising Alstom, Algeria’s State-owned rail company Algiers Metro Company (EMA) and transport and urban infrastructure provider Ferrovial.
The kits would be assembled in its plant of Annaba, in the east of Algeria, and would circulate on a 15.2 km line, scheduled to enter into commercial service in the first quarter of 2018.
The order formed part of a frame contract that was signed in 2012 by Cital and EMA for the supply of Citadis trams to serve Algerian cities. Cital was created in 2010 for the assembly and maintenance of Citadis trams in Algeria to better support the country’s vast programme to develop and enhance urban mobility projects. This JV was also part of Alstom’s strategy to be close to its customers to better meet its mobility demand.
The 44-m-long trams can carry up to 302 passengers. The integral low floor and 12 side doors would facilitate passenger flow and enable access for all, including people with reduced mobility, with space for strollers and wheelchairs.
The tram would also be equipped with air conditioning and closed-circuit television cameras.
“[This] mode of urban transport is environment-friendly, pleasant, comfortable and reliable. We are pleased to collaborate with our partners on this project and to participate in the transport development of the country,” said Alstom Middle East and Africa senior VP Gian-Luca Erbacci.