SAUDI ARABIA: Siemens has announced details of the trainsets and control technology it is to supply for Riyadh metro lines 1 and 2.
Siemens is part of the BACS consortium with Bechtel, Almabani General Contractors and Consolidated Contractors Co which the Arriyadah Development Authority selected for the €7·5bn contract to build two of the six planned metro lines, with a total length of 63·3 km. Siemens' €1·5bn share of the contract includes rolling stock, signalling and electrification equipment.
The company is to supply a total of 74 Inspiro metro cars in two and four-car sets. The standard gauge trainsets will have aluminium bodyshells and a top speed of 90 km/h. They will have high-capacity air-conditioning systems to suit the local climate, and the bogies, traction systems, brakes and doors will have seals and filters designed to reduce sand ingress.
The signalling and WLAN-based train control system will be designed to support unattended driverless operation with 90 sec headways, giving a capacity of 21 000 passengers/h. Siemens will supply 31 interlockings, fit out the operations control centre and train the future staff.
The electrification system will include regenerative braking and diesel generators to provide emergency power.
