Mexico has made a significant investment in the restoration of its long-distance passenger rail services by awarding a $1 billion contract to Alstom. The French multinational will supply 47 Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) for the government’s passenger revival program. This initiative aims to enhance domestic connectivity and support the development of sustainable transportation options. The new fleet will serve key routes such as Mexico City-Querétaro, Querétaro-Irapuato, and Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo, marking a major step forward in Mexico’s rail infrastructure.
Contract Details and Scope
The agreement, signed by Mexico’s Rail Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF), covers not only the supply of rolling stock but also a comprehensive maintenance and support package. The contract includes the manufacturing of 47 DMUs at Alstom’s Ciudad Sahagún plant, where 14 commuter trains and 33 inter-city trains will be produced. These units will be crucial in the government’s efforts to restore long-distance and commuter rail services.
The commuter trains will be designed to accommodate 700 passengers, with seating for 315. The inter-city trains will feature 265 seats, along with modern amenities such as power outlets and USB charging ports at each seat, making the journey more comfortable for passengers. Additionally, the trains will be equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), ensuring compliance with international safety standards and facilitating cross-border connectivity.
Maintenance and Support Services
In addition to manufacturing the new fleet, Alstom will provide ongoing maintenance and support for the next five years. This includes a $33.9 million package to design and supervise the construction of train inspection facilities, along with $39.9 million to design and equip two maintenance depots. A separate $139.3 million agreement will cover the maintenance of the fleet, including the provision of consumables, qualified personnel, technical documentation, and necessary tools. This extensive support ensures the longevity and reliability of the fleet until at least 2032.
Tender Process and Evaluation
During the tender process, Alstom achieved the highest combined score of 83.78 out of 100, securing the contract despite a lower technical evaluation score compared to its competitors. Alstom’s proposal was notably strong in terms of the economic aspect, scoring a perfect 35 out of 35 for its financial bid. This economic edge proved crucial in securing the contract, despite a higher bid from its main competitor, CAF, which finished second with 81.29 points.
The Chinese company, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, was also involved in the bidding process but was disqualified due to a non-compliant submission, scoring only 41.43 technical points. This marks the second major win for Alstom in Mexico’s rail sector, following their involvement in the Mayan Train project.
Expanding Rail Infrastructure in Mexico
This deal is part of Mexico’s broader efforts to rejuvenate its railway infrastructure. The government has been working to revitalize both commuter and long-distance rail services, which are seen as key to improving the country’s transportation network. By investing in modern rolling stock and state-of-the-art maintenance facilities, Mexico is working to enhance the efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability of its rail services.
The Ciudad Sahagún plant, where the DMUs will be built, has already been a critical facility for Alstom’s operations in Mexico. The plant was previously involved in the production of 42 X’Trapolis DMUs and bi-mode trains as part of the Mayan Train project. This continued investment in local manufacturing is expected to support Mexico’s growing rail industry and contribute to economic development in the region.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the Mexican government plans to continue its investment in rail infrastructure, including the acquisition of more trains and the expansion of the rail network. The contract with Alstom is expected to serve as a foundation for these future efforts, contributing to the long-term development of Mexico’s rail transport sector.
Conclusion
The award of the $1 billion contract to Alstom marks a pivotal moment in Mexico’s efforts to restore and modernize its long-distance passenger rail services. With the supply of advanced, ERTMS-equipped DMUs and a comprehensive support package, Alstom is set to play a central role in the transformation of Mexico’s rail network. This deal is part of a broader vision to boost Mexico’s transportation capabilities and promote sustainable, efficient travel across the country and beyond its borders.
