Alstom has finished modernising the signalling of the Recoletos Tunnel in Spain.

The 7km-long tunnel is located between the Atocha station and Chamartín station in Madrid.

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Whilst coordinating with road infrastructurre works, renovations were performed on the signalling and protection systems (ASFA Digital), as well as on catenaries, and new fixed communications systems were installed.

Alstom also updated the telecommunications wiring and replaced contiguous stations cabin equipment with new electronic interlocks (Nuevos Ministerios). The required blockages to adapt signalling in collateral stations Atocha and Chamartín to these new signalling systems were also made.

Alstom said that the modernisation work will boost the reliability of the line and improve facilities.

The tunnel sees around 3,290 circulations a week, with suburban trains making up 98% of the traffic.

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In June last year, Spanish railway infrastructure administrator Adif began work to remodel the tunnel, including signalling renewal, track replacement and installing new catenaries.

Alstom Spain managing director Antonio Moreno said: “The Recoletos Tunnel project has been a real challenge due to the short deadlines and system complexity. The signalling leadership and experience of Alstom teams in Spain have allowed us to successfully achieve our commitment with the client.

“To reach this goal, a team of more than 140 people from different departments and expertise areas has been coordinated, working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with alternate shifts.”

In September, a consortium of Alstom-Setec Ferroviaire won a €50m contract to supply digital signalling technology to French national railway corporation SNCF Réseau.

In August, Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alstom to develop digital technologies for railway signalling.

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