Vienna-based Kapsch CarrierCom, a global system integrator and supplier of end-to-end telecommunications solutions for public and railway operators, said it has won a long-term contract from Saudi Railways Organization.

As per the terms of the 12-year contract, Kapsch Technology will deploy its GSM-R solutions to ensure safe train operations on the 450 km high-speed line between Makkah and Madinah.

The newest technology based on ERMTS level 2 will be used on the pilgrimage route.

Kapsch was selected by Indra and Saudi Railways Organization primarily because of its experience in safe system architectures and its reference projects with similarly high requirements, said a senior official.

The new high speed rail line from Makkah through Jeddah to Madinah will connect multiple urban regions as well as the international King Abdullah Airport. The route features expansive stretches of desert with difficult climatic conditions and high temperature fluctuations.

Commenting on the win, Michel Clement, the VP Railways of Kapsch CarrierCom, said: "We were able to win this project in particular because security, safety and expertise were key criteria, we acquired experience with similar environmental conditions in a project in Algeria and we have already equipped multiple railway stretches with similarly advanced solutions supporting ERTMS Level 2 in high speed environment."

"We are particularly pleased that Kapsch can contribute to passenger security and comfort on the world’s most important pilgrimage route,"
stated Clement.

According to him, the construction has been under way on this key Saudi railway line since 2009.

"For Kapsch the project begins in 2013. In a first phase, the entire GSM-R infrastructure will be installed and tested. Then Kapsch will support Indra and the prime contractor consortium for the operation and maintenance phase," he added.-TradeArabia News Service