Representatives of the world’s major railway manufacturers came to Tel Aviv last week in order to take part in a conference of potential bidders in a tender for the purchase of 62 electrically powered railway locomotives by Israel Railways, with an option for 16 more engines.

The international companies sending representatives included Siemens, Bombardier, Alstom, CNR, CSR, Hyundai, Skoda, Pesa, and CAF. In the framework of the project for converting Israel Railway’s nationwide railway network to electricity, the cost of which the State Comptroller has estimated at NIS 13.7 billion, the railway company plans to buy electrified locomotives and carriages, and to convert its existing equipment.

Israel Railways CEO Boaz Tzafrir said, “We are glad to see that the world’s largest companies are interested in participating in the locomotives tender. Israel Railways is preparing in all aspects to enter the electrified railways era. The transition to electrified trains, as used in all the advanced countries, will be a major step forward in railway operation, and is the key elements in the railways’ future ability to continue growing and achieve new targets.

Israel Railways is also expected to issue a railway infrastructure tender by the end of 2014 and a tender for the acquisition of double-deck EMUs  in the first half of 2015.

Source: www.globes.co.il