Alstom and EFE Trenes de Chile sign contract for the modernization of railway signaling throughout its network

Alstom Press Release

This is an automated translation of the press release issued in Spanish

Alstom , a world leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and EFE Trenes de Chile , signed a contract to provide the Virtual Signaling Control (CSV) project, a new railway traffic control system through an innovative, state-of-the-art signaling system, which will modernize communications and signaling of the EFE network throughout the country, on some 1,800 kilometers of tracks.

The CSV project will provide a digital information solution for rail mobilisation systems, while also providing efficient use of networks as passenger numbers and freight demand continue to grow.

“At Alstom we work every day for modern and sustainable mobility, which delivers innovative, reliable and safe solutions. This contract confirms Alstom's innovative nature and its versatility to deliver solutions tailored to the needs of customers and the mobility of Chileans, to which we have a long-term commitment,” says the general director of Alstom Chile, Denis Girault.

The new signalling system will consist of a control centre, which will integrate existing and new interlocked equipment into a single operating interface, across 1,800 kilometres of track. In addition, on-board signalling equipment will be installed on trains, providing automatic, real-time information on the status of signalling systems to freight and passenger train drivers alike, indicating excessive speed and track usage, even activating the rolling stock brakes if necessary, as part of the intrinsic safety of mobilising and operating services.

“For EFE Trenes de Chile, this contract represents a major step forward in the completion of our Virtual Signaling Control project, which is part of the modernization plan we are carrying out. This implementation will allow us to continue advancing in our commitment to provide Chile with a greater presence of the railway mode, both at the passenger and freight level,” said José Solorza, General Manager of EFE Trenes de Chile.

“The railway system worldwide and in Chile needs innovative solutions and Alstom is at the forefront of these systems. This initiative will provide train operators with more timely, accurate and reliable information,” explains Girault, adding that “the technology will also optimize the rail transport business by allowing for a higher frequency of freight trains, improving the capacity of the freight network.”

The initiative, awarded through a public tender, involves an investment of 55 million euros (US$ 61 million, approx.), in addition to five years of maintenance with the option of renewal. The project will be operating in a first pilot phase that should be operational in 13 months.

About Alstom Chile

Alstom has been present in Chile for more than 75 years, participating in the development of the country's infrastructure, contributing to social progress and respecting the environment. Its contribution as the main supplier of the Santiago Metro and the Valparaíso Metro is demonstrated by its complete range of innovative products and services. Economic development has increased the need for urban, interurban and freight rail transport infrastructure. Alstom has experience in all three areas and is committed to contributing to improving quality of life and safety.

With around 550 employees and 7 sites, Alstom is present in Chile with its metro trains, regional trains, signalling systems and infrastructure and maintenance services. The company is involved in the country's main railway projects, belonging to Metro de Santiago, Metro Valparaíso and Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE).

To date, Alstom has supplied the NS74, NS93, AS02, NS04 and NS16 fleets to Santiago Metro. These fleets will be joined by the new AS22 trains for Line 7 .