Alstom, SNCF may bid for bullet train project

However, both want India to set up its own operation standards

Alstom and SNCF French Railways on Wednesday said they were eager to bid for the Rs 60,000-crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. The companies added India should set up its own operating standards for high-speed trains.

Alstom Transport India managing director Bharat Salhotra said Alstom India was equipped and keen to provide modern technology in signaling, locomotives and high- speed trains. “The government will have to bring in more money from private and foreign investments. The development of high speed cross-border trains is the ideal answer to contemporary problems such as transportation of more passengers in greater comfort and safety while preserving the environment,” he said.

Alstom has designed the AGV, a high-speed train for the international market, taking into account environmental concerns. The company has also developed the Euroduplex, a new generation of high-speed trains in Europe.

Michel Testard, adviser for SNCF French Railways India, and Philippe Lorand, the company’s  vice-president for business development, said it was keen to offer its know-how for intercity train services and station operations. Testard and Lorand said SNCF, which operates high-speed trains in France with 300,000 daily passengers, would like to bid for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. Testard and Lorand are part of a French business delegation visiting Mumbai.

“India needs high volume, high capacity and low cost trains. The government's plans for trains with speeds up to 200 kmph and a bullet train at 300 kmph are important. India will have to gradually upgrade the existing railway system and also develop bullet trains, especially when the gestation period for a bullet train project is about 10 years from its launch,” they said. Testard and Lorand suggested the bullet train should also benefit the aam aadmi.

They said SNCF could offer integrated project management from design to operations, including engineering and architecture services, programme monitoring and testing.

Besides, it can provide technical assistance and training in India or Europe and rail operation and maintenance.
RIDE SAFE

• Alstom has designed the AGV, a high-speed train for the international market, taking into account environmental concerns
• The company has also developed the Euroduplex, a new generation of high-speed trains in Europe