Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation has won a contract to deliver the main-line signalling solution for Ethiopia’s new 400km Awash-Weldia line.

The order has a value of approximately 36 million euros and was awarded by Turkish construction company Yapi Merkezi.

Part of an investment programme by Ethiopian Railways to extend the country’s rail network, the new link is to be equipped with the proven Bombardier Interflo 250 system; this is based on the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) — a globally standardised signalling system that will ensure the new railway’s high utilisation.

Erdem Arioglu, board member of Yapi Merkezi, said: “This is one of the longest lines tendered as a turn-key project in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yapi Merkezi went through a very detailed selection process to determine its suppliers and sub-contractors and Bombardier was selected due to its proven track record and successful long-term co-operation with us on similar projects world-wide.”

Bombardier’s advanced rail control solutions have already been selected across Africa, including the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link and Durban’s main rail corridors in South Africa, plus Zambia’s north–south connection between Livingstone and Chingola — plus the upgrade of Morocco’s Casablanca to Tangiers line. Bombardier is also providing Algeria