Written by Keith Barrow
Chinese train manufacturer, CNR Corporation (CNR) has signed contracts with Ethiopia to provide a fllet of 41 modern tramcars,(LRVs ) for the 37.4km light rail network which is currently under construction in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
The tramcars will be customized for use in Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa, where the altitude is 2,400 meters , according to CNR’s statement.
According to CNR, the tramcars are the world’s most sunlight-resistant and will use special components in the glass, rubber, paint and cable.
The three-section 70% low-floor vehicles will have a maximum speed of 70km/h and the first units are due to be delivered to Ethiopia at the end of 2014.
China is financing 60% of the $US 400m light rail project, with the remainder coming from the Ethiopian government. The network will have three lines: Defence Forces Hospital – Ayat Village (17.3km), Meskel Square – Kality (16.2km) and Lideta – Menilik Square (3.9km).
Source:http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/africa/cnr-to-supply-trams-for-addis-ababa-lrt.html
