On Tuesday, Alstom Transport signed two cooperation agreements covering production of turnout motors and supply of a tram system for Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city.

In the area of signaling, Alstom will provide for the setup of an industrial cooperation for the supply of turnout motors. This agreement should lead to a joint venture for the local production of this equipment. The parties will jointly define the details for transfer of the production and assembly of these turnout motors to Kazakhstan.

To meet the needs of the region, Alstom offers a product adapted to local operating conditions, able to operate in temperatures as low as -104 degrees Fahrenheit. Two prototypes have already been installed in the Kazakh rail network for a testing phase to take place over 12 months. This turnout motor provides reduced maintenance costs, a long operating life and a remote diagnostic system.

Alstom also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the mayor of Astana for the creation of a tramway for the Kazakh capital. The agreement provides for the creation of a project feasibility study covering public works and electromechanical aspects (supply of rolling stock, laying of track, installation of catenaries and electrification of the line, including supply of all electric and mechanical systems and subsystems) as well as long-term maintenance.