Bombardier to supply India-made trains to Australia

BERLIN: Canadian engineering giant Bombardier-led consortium today secured a whopping USD 4.1 billion contract to supply trains, manufactured in India, and maintenance services to Australia's Queensland state.

"The Queensland Government today announced its order of 75 new six-car trains, maintenance services for a period of 30 years and the construction of a purpose-built maintenance centre under a 32-year public-private partnership," Bombardier said in a statement.

The consortium comprising the Berlin-based Bombardier Transportation, John Laing, ITOCHU Corporation and Uberior will deliver the order.

The total value of the contract is approximately $4.1 billion with Bombardier's share valued at approximately $2.7 billion.

The new commuter trains are being designed and engineered in Australia and will be manufactured at Bombardier's facility in Savli, Gujarat.

The "New Generation Rollingstock project" will boost commuter services for the densely populated areas of South East Queensland and transport domestic and international tourists to some of the state's world famous locations, including the beaches and theme parks of the Gold Coast.

Bombardier's scope for this project includes the supply of the 75 Electrical Multiple Units ( EMUs) and maintenance for 30 years.