[IL] Siemens selected as preferred supplier of new EMUs for Israel

Siemens has announced it is the preferred supplier for sixty double deck EMUs for the Israelian railways. Its bid is preferred over the one from Alstom, the competitor in the final round. As of 2020, 330 coaches will be delivered, an order with a volume of more then 900 million euro. Maintenance and the erection of a dedicated workshop in Aschkelon is included in the deal.

At this moment, Israel is seriously investing in upgrading the country’s network. A comprehensive electrification program is on its way, hence the need for new electric locomotives and EMUs. The new trains will be used for services between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Railcolor: The title image of this article shows a Desiro HC EMU in neutral livery, one of Siemens’ newest train types currently under development. It has both single and double deck coaches. It is not directly related to this order.