Alstom and EFE Trenes de Chile signed a contract to provide the Virtual Signalling Control (CSV) project, a new railway traffic control system, which will modernise the communications and signaling of the EFE network throughout the country, on some 1,800 kilometres 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 in delivering tailor-made solutions to meet the needs of customers and the mobility of Chileans, to which we have a long-term commitment,” says Alstom Chile’s Manager Director, Denis Girault.
The new signaling system will consist of a control center, which will integrate the existing and new interlocked equipment into a single operating interface, along 1,800 kilometres of track. In addition, on-board signaling equipment will be installed on the trains, which will provide automatic, real-time information on the status of the signalling systems to drivers of freight and passenger trains alike, indicating excessive speed and track usage, and even activating the brakes of the rolling stock if necessary, as part of the intrinsic safety of the mobilisation and operation of services.
“For EFE Trenes de Chile, this award 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 launch 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 public tender, envisages an investment of 55 million euros (US$ 61 million, approx.), in addition to five years of maintenance with the option to renew. The project will be operating in a first pilot phase that should be operational in 13 months.
Alstom in Chile
Alstom has been present in Chile for more than 75 years, participating in the development of the country’s infrastructure. The company is the main supplier of Metro de Santiago and Metro de Valparaíso.
Economic development has increased the need for urban, intercity and freight rail transport infrastructure. Alstom has expertise 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, signaling systems and infrastructure and maintenance services. The company participates in the main railway projects in the country, 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 Metro de Santiago. These fleets will be joined by the new AS22 trains for Line 7.
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