Global consortium TransitLinX has been awarded the contract for the $6.7 billion linewide package of Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East works.
TransitLinX – which will be known as the Linewide Alliance during construction – comprises Alstom, RATP Dev, John Holland, KBR and WSP.
The contract includes the design, manufacture, install and testing of all the systems required to run the new network – such as signalling, platform screen doors, passenger information displays, communications systems, CCTV and security systems, and tunnel ventilation.
There is also a separate 15-year agreement to operate and maintain the network, and construction of the train stabling and operational control centre in Heatherton.
Rail transport systems company Alstom has been awarded a $1.8 billion share of the contract, with its scope covering rolling stock, digital infrastructure, signalling and maintenance, as well as overall system integration.
It will manufacture 13 new four-car SRL East trains at its site in Dandenong, Victoria.
These Metropolis metro trains will be automated, running under Grade of Automation 4 (GOA4) and supported by Alstom’s Urbalis Forward Communications Based Train Control – a fully integrated signalling system.
This is the first time automated trains will be built in Australia.
The trains will have platform screen doors and modern passenger information systems, with seating along the walls in the carriages to create more space for passengers in peak periods.
There will be dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and passengers with special needs, as well as flexible use spaces for prams, assistance animals and other uses.
Alstom’s Dandenong factory has built trains and trams for 70 years and will be upgraded for the SRL works – opening up potential opportunities to eventually supply automated trains for interstate and international networks.
Alstom will provide its FlexCare Perform full maintenance solution for a period of 15 years for the Metropolis fleet, as well as signalling and infrastructure, to ensure the metro system has high availability and reliability.
The new fleet will be maintained from a purpose-built facility in Heatherton, Melbourne, with the first Metropolis trains due to enter service in 2035.
Pascal Dupond, Managing Director of Alstom Australia and New Zealand, said this contract award further deepens Alstom’s partnership with the Victorian Government.
“The Suburban Rail Loop solutions Alstom will provide draw from a range of our leading global technologies across rolling stock, signalling and services complemented by our local knowhow in Victoria, which uniquely we bring to our customers,” he said.
Ling Fang, Alstom’s Asia-Pacific Region President, added: “As the world’s leading pure rail player, we bring comprehensive turnkey solutions to meet the needs of our customers in Australia and the wider Asia Pacific Region.
“This project is of global significance in its ambition and scale, and Melbourne joins the ranks of other leading global cities in deploying Alstom solutions to enable advanced rail passenger solutions.”
The Suburban Rail Loop is Australia’s largest rail and housing infrastructure project, delivering a 90-kilometre orbital rail loop through Melbourne’s middle suburbs.
The first stage, SRL East, will span 26 kilometres, with six underground stations located near major employment, education and health precincts.
