Alstom has signed a major contract with The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to build what’s billed as the world’s longest battery-operated tramway, running 22.4km, in the ancient city of AlUla.
Featuring 17 strategically located stations, the fully integrated turnkey tramway system will be fitted with 20 advanced Citadis trams. These will be equipped with the Mitrac B battery solution, and also feature innovative, fast, and invisible SRS ground-based static charging systems, said a statement.
The tram system is designed to complement the region’s rich heritage, while reducing carbon emissions, offering a unique transportation option that blends historical routes with innovative, climate-adapted carriages, it added.
As the world’s longest battery-powered, catenary-free tramway line, the AlUla project will offer unmatched access to the region’s five core historical districts, including Unesco World Heritage sites such as AlUla Old Town (District 1); Dadan (District 2); Jabal Ikmah (District 3); Nabataean Horizon (District 4); and Hegra Historical City (District 5).
Under the terms of the contract, Alstom will supply power and warehouse equipment and provide full maintenance services for 10 years, using the HealthHub, a new predictive tool able to monitor the health of trains, infrastructure and signaling assets using advanced data analytics.
The service teams will use a mobile workshop for all types of support, in order to be more flexible and cut capital costs. Alstom will also provide a number of proven training programmes for the tram support staff to ensure maximum operating efficiency from Day One of the system’s launch.
