Siemens Mobility and Ruhrbahn have signed a contract for the digitalisation and modernisation of the control and safety technology in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr. With an investment volume of around EUR 180 million, the local transport interlockings are to be converted into electronic interlockings (ESTW). The conversion will take place in five project phases up to 2031 and will only restrict passenger services in individual sections for a short period of time. As part of the project, Siemens Mobility will modernise the approximately 28 km long train control area with its 39 stations and equip the signalling systems with LED signal heads. The modernisation is intended to make the system lower-maintenance, more reliable, more economical, more efficient and more energy-saving. The project is being supported by the municipal rail renewal programme with state and federal funding for 60% of the eligible expenditure, with funding of around EUR 96 million currently expected. 
Source: Siemens Mobility press release 04.09.2024

The German state railway DB has announced that it will develop a comprehensive restructuring programme by mid-September 2024 and submit it to the Supervisory Board by 2027. The programme focuses on restructuring the infrastructure, the operational situation and the economic situation. The aim is to return to growth within three years and implement the transport policy targets agreed with the German government.
Source: DB press release 03.09.2024

A joint venture (JV) consisting of Colas Rail, Orascom Construction and Hitachi Rail has been awarded an EUR 800 million contract to renovate line 1 of the Cairo metro network by Egypt\'s National Authority for Tunnels (NAT). Colas Rail and Orascom Construction will each receive 35% of the contract value, while Hitachi Rail will receive 29%. Colas Rail and Orascom are modernising the electrical power supply, overhead line and electromechanical systems, while Hitachi Rail is responsible for modernising the signalling, control and telecommunications infrastructure. The work will begin in October 2024 and last 64 months, during which time operations will be maintained.
Source: Hitachi Rail press release 02.09.2024

Knorr-Bremse has successfully completed the acquisition of Alstom Signaling in North America (SCI RAILDATA Issue 17/2024), taking over the command control and signalling (CCS) technology business including around 800 employees at six locations. The transaction includes Alstom Signaling\'s conventional signalling product portfolio in North America as well as sales, service and production. In the financial year ending 31st March 2024, Alstom Signaling North America generated revenue of around EUR 300 million and an EBIT margin of around 16%.
Source: Knorr-Bremse press release 02.09.2024

The Hungarian consortium Ganz-Mavag, consisting of the Hungarian state investment fund and the railway company Magyar Vagon, has withdrawn its takeover bid for Spanish train manufacturer Talgo. This decision followed a veto by the Spanish government, which was discussed at a board meeting in Budapest (SCI RAILDATA Issue 35/2024). Despite the withdrawal, the consortium continues to emphasise its interest in Talgo and is considering submitting another bid for the full acquisition of the company at a later date. Ganz-MaVag plans to take legal action at national and EU level to challenge the decision of the Spanish Council of Ministers and claim compensation for damages incurred. The Spanish government had justified the takeover bid with risks to public safety, order and health. The Spanish Association of Minority Shareholders of Listed Companies (AEMEC) also announced that it would take legal action to protect Talgo\'s minority shareholders from state interference.
Source: Lok-Report 02.09.2024