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.
The conference presented Israel Railways and its needs, aims, standards, etc. for the tender to the potential bidders. In addition, Israel Railways representatives answered technical, legal, budget, and management questions from the companies' representatives. The bids must reach Israel Railways' offices by January 31, 2015.
At the same time as the locomotives tender, Israel Railways is expected to issue a railway infrastructure tender by the end of 2014 and a tender for two-storey electrically powered railway carriages (electric multiple units - EMUs) in the first half of 2015.
The electrified trains, which already operate in most advanced countries, are designed to greatly shorten travel time, reduce the number of malfunctions, and decrease air pollution. They are considered more reliable and economical. 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. Carriages are already being adapted now for use on electrified tracks at the same time as the electrification tenders are taking place and enormous progress is being made in construction of railway infrastructure for railway lines to Jerusalem and Karmiel."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 16, 2014
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