Global Giants Alstom And Siemens In Race To Supply Rolling Stock For California High-Speed Rail

Alstom and Siemens, global industry leaders, are vying for the opportunity to supply rolling stock for the California High-Speed Rail project.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has called for proposals to procure and maintain a fleet of six high-speed trains from the two shortlisted contenders.

These companies emerged as prequalified bidders following a request for qualifications (RFQ) process in 2023, making them eligible for the current selection phase.

Both Alstom and Siemens are expected to submit their proposals this autumn, with the CHSRA aiming to finalise the contract by year-end.

The contract entails delivering two prototype trains by 2028, which will undergo rigorous testing procedures, including static and dynamic testing, and trial runs.

Following successful testing, the remaining four trains are slated for delivery by the end of 2030, to service the 275-km route from Merced to Bakersfield, the first high-speed rail section to be put into commercial service.

The trainsets are required to have a maximum operational speed of 355 km h and undergo testing up to 390 km h. Additionally, the contract encompasses the provision of a driving simulator, spare parts, and maintenance services for 30 years, including a mid-life overhaul.

As construction progresses on the 191.5 km route from Poplar Avenue to Madera in California's Central Valley, the authority has initiated efforts to expand the network to cover 275 km between Merced and Bakersfield in the initial phase.

Moreover, the Authority has obtained environmental clearance for the entire 679 km stretch of the high-speed rail program, spanning from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles County.

The system will eventually extend to Sacramento and San Diego, totaling 1319 km with up to 24 stations.

In December 2023, the California High-Speed Rail Authority was granted a USD 3.1 billion award by the US Department of Transportation for infrastructure projects and the acquisition and testing of new trains.

This funding will facilitate the design and construction of trainset facilities and Fresno station, as well as support the design and acquisition of right-of-way for extensions in Merced and Bakersfield, and aid in construction efforts throughout the Central Valley.