Evolution Rail consortium has been selected as preferred respondent for the High-Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) project, which includes delivery of 65 new trains to be built in Victoria, Australia.
Comprising Downer Rail, CRRC, and Plenary, the consortium will be also responsible for construction of new maintenance facilities in Pakenham and Calder Park.
In order to build these 65 trains, the Newport manufacturing facility of Downer will undergo A$16m ($12m) renovation, while CRRC will establish a new regional headquarters in Melbourne.
The new trains will have a capacity to carry at least 1,380 passengers, including 26 allocated wheelchair spaces and have 20% more space to reduce overcrowding.
Downer CEO Grant Fenn said: "Evolution Rail will deliver more than 60% local content through engagement with Victorian regional and metropolitan businesses across the supply chain."
The HCMT project will create 1,100 full time Victorian jobs, in addition to more than 140 positions for apprentices, cadets and trainees, and 70 jobs for disadvantaged workers.
The first train is expected to be delivered by November 2018, and will increase capacity on the level-crossing free Cranbourne-Pakenham Line from 2019.
All 65 trains are planned to be rolled-out as a dedicated fleet in time for the opening of the Metro Tunnel in 2026.
Victoria Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said: “This is every train we need to boost services in Melbourne’s south-east and run the turn-up-and-go services we'll deliver by building the Metro Tunnel.
"These new high-capacity trains will do the heavy lifting on the Cranbourne-Pakenham lines, ahead of the opening of the Metro Tunnel, enabling more passengers to travel during the busiest parts of the day."
Image: The new HCMT trains will have capacity for up to 1,380 passengers. Photo: © Plenary Group.
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