Alstom to supply core train systems for first driverless metro line

Alstom has signed a contract with Nanjing Metro to provide traction systems and the train control and monitoring system (TCMS) for 318 metro cars that will run on Nanjing Line 7, the first driverless metro line in the Chinese city. Alstom, with its global experience in unattended train operation (UTO), will also provide technical review for the system. The value of the contract is nearly €50 million.

Alstom will provide the OptONIX traction system, which was developed specifically for the Chinese market. Alstom’s joint venture, Shanghai Alstom Transport Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd. (SATEE), will manufacture the traction systems with support from Alstom sites in Belgium, France and India. Alstom’s joint venture in Xi’an, Xi’an Alstom Yongji Electric Equipment Co., Ltd will supply the traction motors.

Nanjing Line 7 is a key metro line in Nanjing’s metro network. 35 kilometres long with 27 stations, it connects the southwest to the northeast of the city. According to the long-term metro network development plan of Nanjing, Line 7 will have interchange stations with 11 metro lines in the future.  

“This contract confirms Alstom’s leading role in driverless metros in China. This role stems from the performance of 28 driverless metro projects around the world, including seven in China. Compared to other metro lines, metro lines with unattended train operations can reduce required manpower by 30-70%, achieve higher frequency, increase space for passengers, and improve reliability by over 50%,” said Olivier Loison, Managing Director of Alstom in China & East Asia.

Nanjing Line 7 is the eighth driverless metro line in China including Alstom solutions. Other references include the Beijing Airport Link, Shanghai Metro Line 10, Hong Kong South Island Line (East), as well as four newly awarded lines, Shanghai metro lines 15 and 18, Chengdu Line 9 and Wuhan Line 21.    

Alstom has been present in Nanjing for 20 years as a major supplier of metros, traction systems, signalling systems and services. It has supplied 456 metro cars for Nanjing Line 1, Line 2 and their respective extensions, traction systems for the 534 metro cars of Nanjing Line 4, 10, S1 and S3, signalling systems for Ningtian Intercity Line, and traction overhaul services for Nanjing Lines 1 and 2.

About Alstom

The railway market, driven by increasing urbanisation, is growing steadily. In a context of globalisation and consolidation, Alstom's ambition is to be the preferred partner of its customers for their transport solutions in all geographic locations and all market segments. To reach this, we have set clear targets for 2020 in 5 strategic pillars.