Source: en.wikipedia.org
BM4
Also known as:
Metropolis
Vehicle type:
Registration country:
Railway companies:
2020
November 3
On November 3rd, 2020, Alstom secures its first rolling stock
contract in Romania, valued at over €100 million, with the
potential for further extension up to €240 million. This agreement,
established with Metrorex SA, the state-owned operator
of the Bucharest metro, involves the delivery of up to 30x
Metropolis trains designated for the newly
constructed Line 5 of the metro system. The initial phase consists
of 13x trains, with the first unit expected to be delivered in less
than twenty-nine months to operate on an already functioning
section of the metro line. Subsequently, the remaining 12x trains
of the first lot will be delivered following the homologation
process of the first train. The contract also includes an option
for 17x additional trains, contingent upon a firm request from
Metrorex.
Each of the six-car trains, specifically tailored for Bucharest's metro needs, will accommodate 216 seats arranged longitudinally and feature two designated access areas for passengers with limited mobility. The trains are constructed with stainless steel car body shells, measuring 114 meters in length and 3 meters in width, enabling a total passenger capacity of approximately 1 200. The final configuration, including colors and finishes, will be developed collaboratively to meet the customer's specifications. Furthermore, these trains will integrate onboard Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems, ensuring compatibility with modern trackside signaling technologies.
Passengers will experience a suite of innovative features designed to enhance comfort and efficiency during travel. These include effective internal noise reduction, four double doors on each side per car for improved accessibility, large windows, LED lighting, and real-time passenger information systems such as dynamic route maps. The trains are engineered to facilitate optimal passenger flow with wide doors, spacious gangways, and dedicated areas for individuals with disabilities. Alstom’s Metropolis metro train range has been operational for over two decades globally, reflecting its versatility through various configurations. Notable cities utilizing Alstom metro systems include Paris, New York, London, Amsterdam, Singapore, Riyadh, Dubai, Sydney, and Montreal, underscoring the company's extensive experience in urban transport solutions.
The contract is signed on December 2nd, 2020. All units will be built at the Alstom plant in Brazil.
Each of the six-car trains, specifically tailored for Bucharest's metro needs, will accommodate 216 seats arranged longitudinally and feature two designated access areas for passengers with limited mobility. The trains are constructed with stainless steel car body shells, measuring 114 meters in length and 3 meters in width, enabling a total passenger capacity of approximately 1 200. The final configuration, including colors and finishes, will be developed collaboratively to meet the customer's specifications. Furthermore, these trains will integrate onboard Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems, ensuring compatibility with modern trackside signaling technologies.
Passengers will experience a suite of innovative features designed to enhance comfort and efficiency during travel. These include effective internal noise reduction, four double doors on each side per car for improved accessibility, large windows, LED lighting, and real-time passenger information systems such as dynamic route maps. The trains are engineered to facilitate optimal passenger flow with wide doors, spacious gangways, and dedicated areas for individuals with disabilities. Alstom’s Metropolis metro train range has been operational for over two decades globally, reflecting its versatility through various configurations. Notable cities utilizing Alstom metro systems include Paris, New York, London, Amsterdam, Singapore, Riyadh, Dubai, Sydney, and Montreal, underscoring the company's extensive experience in urban transport solutions.
The contract is signed on December 2nd, 2020. All units will be built at the Alstom plant in Brazil.
Sources: Alstom
2023
March 20
Mihai Barbu, President of the Board of Directors of
Metrorex, states: "We have already
contracted 13x trains some time ago and have paid a 20% advance for
them, which amounted to 100 million euros, of which 20 million
euros have been paid. The trains were expected to arrive some time
ago, but they have not yet arrived. I have discussed this issue
with the contract winner (Alstom)
and they cite multiple crises as reasons for the delays: the
electric components crisis, the crisis caused by the pandemic, and,
of course, the war in Ukraine, which has created a global steel
crisis. They reference these factors as reasons for not delivering
on time. The last discussion with them indicated that they would
provide a clear timeline for the delivery of these 13x trains.
However, we have not yet received a response, so I cannot specify
when the first train will arrive. The bidders have not provided us
with a clear deadline but have stated that they will communicate it
after completing their calculations. Once again, I want to
emphasize that the delivery of the 13x trains was expected to begin
by now, although not all 13x were to be delivered at once, and this
process has not yet commenced."
A few days later, on April 5th, 2023, during a broadcast, Gabriel Stanciu, CEO of Alstom Romania, declares that the first train will arrive in Romania in August 2023.
A few days later, on April 5th, 2023, during a broadcast, Gabriel Stanciu, CEO of Alstom Romania, declares that the first train will arrive in Romania in August 2023.
2023
October
Mihai Barbu, the President of the Metrorex Administration Council, reported
that numerous irregularities have been identified by the
Metrorex team at the factory in Brazil where
the trains are being manufactured. He stated that, according to the
initial delivery plan, the delivery of 13x trains from Brazil was
supposed to commence in June 2022. However, due to multiple crises,
Alstom has been unable to deliver on time,
resulting in a postponement of one year, with the first train
expected by June 2023. This revised deadline has also not been met.
The latest proposed deadline, November 2023, is unlikely to be
adhered to, given the list of identified issues that require
resolution.
Furthermore, according to Mihai Barbu, the penalties for the delays have already accumulated to €10 million.
Gabriel Stanciu, General Director of Alstom Romania, maintains that the first unit is scheduled to leave the factory in Brazil on November 28th, 2023, but it will not arrive in Romania by the end of the year.
"We committed to send (Metrorex - editor's note) a clear delivery schedule by the end of October. There have been some issues with modifying the train because there were some S-curves on Line 5 that were not announced during the awarding procedure, and we had to modify the body and redo all the strength tests. To this, we add the current situation, these crises that come in waves, with armed conflicts, culminating with the latest problems that we couldn't find a ship to bring them to Constanta. And at this moment, I tell you honestly, we are even investigating the possibility of bringing them by air, which obviously represents a huge extra cost. We will most likely know the precise departure schedule next week. Our target is for the first train to leave the factory on November 28th, so that it can be loaded, unless there are other surprises" Stanciu explained.
Regarding the penalties calculated by Metrorex, exceeding 10 million euros, Gabriel Stanciu says that first it is necessary to establish the fault of each party involved and analyze the causes that led to the delivery delays.
"We need to understand one thing: the intention to impose penalties or to issue a penalty invoice remains just an intention until we clarify the fault of each party involved. It is premature to talk about penalties. I suggest that we focus, however, on the important issues, such as the delivery of rolling stock, and discuss penalties when things are settled. It is really premature. There are many elements involved. On one hand, we have that modification I mentioned, regarding the route with the S-curves, then the clauses of force majeure from the involved countries are obviously invoked - and we have about 18 centers of excellence distributed across many countries, each having its own legislation for force majeure, and then we also have critical situations that some countries define, let's say, adjacent to force majeure. I tell you that a detailed analysis of the impact of these external causes on the contractual situation will need to be made after we have a clear delivery schedule and the trains arrive here. It is literally premature to talk about penalties, and it is also normal: what penalty invoice do you send for how many days of supposed delay if the train has not yet arrived? Some detailed contractual calculations will need to be made, after which we will see what responsibilities each party had and what each party owes the other, if anything is owed" Stanciu believes.
Furthermore, according to Mihai Barbu, the penalties for the delays have already accumulated to €10 million.
Gabriel Stanciu, General Director of Alstom Romania, maintains that the first unit is scheduled to leave the factory in Brazil on November 28th, 2023, but it will not arrive in Romania by the end of the year.
"We committed to send (Metrorex - editor's note) a clear delivery schedule by the end of October. There have been some issues with modifying the train because there were some S-curves on Line 5 that were not announced during the awarding procedure, and we had to modify the body and redo all the strength tests. To this, we add the current situation, these crises that come in waves, with armed conflicts, culminating with the latest problems that we couldn't find a ship to bring them to Constanta. And at this moment, I tell you honestly, we are even investigating the possibility of bringing them by air, which obviously represents a huge extra cost. We will most likely know the precise departure schedule next week. Our target is for the first train to leave the factory on November 28th, so that it can be loaded, unless there are other surprises" Stanciu explained.
Regarding the penalties calculated by Metrorex, exceeding 10 million euros, Gabriel Stanciu says that first it is necessary to establish the fault of each party involved and analyze the causes that led to the delivery delays.
"We need to understand one thing: the intention to impose penalties or to issue a penalty invoice remains just an intention until we clarify the fault of each party involved. It is premature to talk about penalties. I suggest that we focus, however, on the important issues, such as the delivery of rolling stock, and discuss penalties when things are settled. It is really premature. There are many elements involved. On one hand, we have that modification I mentioned, regarding the route with the S-curves, then the clauses of force majeure from the involved countries are obviously invoked - and we have about 18 centers of excellence distributed across many countries, each having its own legislation for force majeure, and then we also have critical situations that some countries define, let's say, adjacent to force majeure. I tell you that a detailed analysis of the impact of these external causes on the contractual situation will need to be made after we have a clear delivery schedule and the trains arrive here. It is literally premature to talk about penalties, and it is also normal: what penalty invoice do you send for how many days of supposed delay if the train has not yet arrived? Some detailed contractual calculations will need to be made, after which we will see what responsibilities each party had and what each party owes the other, if anything is owed" Stanciu believes.
Sources: https://economedia.ro/romania-a-platit-103-milioane-euro-pentru-13-trenuri-de-metrou-dar-bucurestenii-nu-le-vor-vedea-nici-anul-acesta-presedintele-ca-metrorex-anunta-foarte-multe-nereguli-la-fabrica-alstom-din-brazi.html, https://www.agerpres.ro/economic-intern/2023/10/18/stanciu-alstom-romania-targetul-nostru-este-ca-pe-28-noiembrie-primul-tren-destinat-metrorex-sa-plece-din-uzina--1188665
2024
February 3
Mihai Barbu, the President of the Metrorex Administration Council, states:
"The acceptance of the first train in Brazil has taken place,
and it is scheduled to depart around February 22nd, arriving in
Bucharest by the end of March. The second train is expected to
leave on March 28th and arrive in May in Bucharest. Subsequently,
one train will be delivered every six weeks. This means that
approximately 10x trains will be delivered in 2024, with three more
scheduled for the following year."
According to the official from Metrorex, the carriages will be transported by ship to Hamburg and then by trailer, one by one. "They will arrive at Deutsche Bahn in Bucharest, from where they will depart by rail to our depot in Berceni" adds Mihai Barbu.
According to the official from Metrorex, the carriages will be transported by ship to Hamburg and then by trailer, one by one. "They will arrive at Deutsche Bahn in Bucharest, from where they will depart by rail to our depot in Berceni" adds Mihai Barbu.
2024
April 25
The first Metropolis subway train, unit
1402-2402 "Giurgiu", arrives in Bucharest at the
Berceni Depot on April 25th, 2024.
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com
Source:
forum.metrouusor.com2024
June 6
The second unit, 1401-2401 "Ilfov", is delivered
on June 6th, 2024.
Simultaneously, the first unit delivered, 1402-2402 "Giurgiu", must undergo a testing period of 10 000 kilometers before it can enter service.
At the same time, approximately 20 mechanics from Metrorex receive training from Alstom specialists brought in from India.
Simultaneously, the first unit delivered, 1402-2402 "Giurgiu", must undergo a testing period of 10 000 kilometers before it can enter service.
At the same time, approximately 20 mechanics from Metrorex receive training from Alstom specialists brought in from India.
2024
June 18
The tests with unit 1402-2402 "Giurgiu" are
reportedly not proceeding according to schedule, according to
sources from Metrorex. The train faces issues with power
supply, and the necessary 10 000 kilometers of testing required for
the train to be put into circulation are likely to be delayed.
Sources from Metrorex indicate that the unit already requires a replacement part, further complicating the testing process. After initial cold tests were completed, the train was connected to the electric network, at which point issues emerged, though the specific causes remain unknown. It is clear that challenges persist in diagnosing the train's problems, which will result in further delays for the tests. Mechanics have completed the theoretical module and are awaiting confirmation regarding whether the train has been repaired to proceed with the completion of the 10 days of actual driving required for operational readiness.
Sources from Metrorex indicate that the unit already requires a replacement part, further complicating the testing process. After initial cold tests were completed, the train was connected to the electric network, at which point issues emerged, though the specific causes remain unknown. It is clear that challenges persist in diagnosing the train's problems, which will result in further delays for the tests. Mechanics have completed the theoretical module and are awaiting confirmation regarding whether the train has been repaired to proceed with the completion of the 10 days of actual driving required for operational readiness.
2024
July 24
Sources within Metrorex report that testing of the
new Alstom metro trains has been halted. This
suspension occurs after multiple safety warnings were triggered on
the 1402-2402 "Giurgiu" train when it was powered
on. Gabriel Stanciu, the General Director of Alstom
Romania, confirms the cessation of tests, stating that the train
control management system (TCMS) is not functioning properly. He
indicates that the settings are currently being verified and that
testing will resume, which he describes as a normal procedure.
Given these circumstances, the introduction of the new trains into service remains uncertain. In 2024, 10x out of a total of 13x trains specified in the contract with Alstom are expected to be delivered. These new trains are intended to operate on the Drumul Taberei Line. Marian Artimon, a seasoned Metrorex employee and union leader, expresses skepticism regarding the deployment of the new trains within this year. He articulates a strong desire for the new trains to be on the Line 5, but based on the current progress, he doubts this will be feasible in 2024. Artimon emphasizes that he does not believe there will be sufficient time to complete the necessary testing of 10 000 kilometers for the first train and 2 000 kilometers for the second.
Given these circumstances, the introduction of the new trains into service remains uncertain. In 2024, 10x out of a total of 13x trains specified in the contract with Alstom are expected to be delivered. These new trains are intended to operate on the Drumul Taberei Line. Marian Artimon, a seasoned Metrorex employee and union leader, expresses skepticism regarding the deployment of the new trains within this year. He articulates a strong desire for the new trains to be on the Line 5, but based on the current progress, he doubts this will be feasible in 2024. Artimon emphasizes that he does not believe there will be sufficient time to complete the necessary testing of 10 000 kilometers for the first train and 2 000 kilometers for the second.
2024
July 26
Mihai Barbu, the President of the Metrorex Administration Council, declares:
"According to the contract, we can penalize them (note -
Alstom) for not delivering the trains on
time. Penalties have reached 24 million euros. It’s enormous. They
must pay the penalties. They contested them in court, but they
lost."
2024
September 19
While Metrorex displays the first train from this
series to the public, complications arise regarding deliveries.
Despite the newly promised schedule, only 2x units remain
delivered. 2x additional units are currently en route, while the
fifth unit has been rejected by Metrorex engineers who traveled to South
America to Alstom factory, where they identified a
series of issues.
Sources: https://www.gandul.ro/exclusiv/inginerii-metrorex-deplasati-in-brazilia-au-refuzat-livrarea-metroului-alstom-cu-numarul-5-ce-a-reiesit-la-testele-pentru-receptia-preliminara-20300054, https://www.economica.net/tren-alstom-metrou_774549.html
2024
October
The third train, unit 1404-2404 "Sălaj", is
delivered to Berceni depot on October 1st, 2024, soon followed by
unit 1403-2403 "Teleorman" delivered by October
16th, 2024. Units 1405-2405 "Sibiu" and
1406-2406 "Cluj" are preliminarily accepted by
Metrorex and are expected to be delivered
before the end of the year.
Concurrently, representatives from Alstom România report that the unit 1402-2402 "Giurgiu" is technically operational, a situation confirmed by Metrorex during the completion of static and dynamic training sessions for train mechanics. These sessions also include the certification of the mechanics by Metrorex for operation without passengers on Line 5. Endurance tests of 10,000 kilometers will be conducted only after the validation tests involving Metrorex and AFER are finalized (completing the 10,000 kilometers without passengers represents the final stage before the train is put into circulation).
Mariana Miclăuș, the general director of Metrorex, announces at a specialized event that the first delivered train is expected to enter passenger service in the second quarter of 2025, following the completion of tests and endurance trials. "It is projected that all tests, including the endurance trials covering 10,000 kilometers, will be completed by March 2025, allowing the train to begin operation with passengers. Subsequently, other trains will be introduced in phases, after they undergo their own tests and cover an additional 2,000 kilometers. This implies that the first train could potentially enter service around March or April, contingent upon the successful completion of the endurance tests. These endurance trials do not constitute standard tests but rather involve a mileage requirement that the train must meet without major defects" as noted by the Metrorex official. "Currently, static and dynamic tests are being conducted at the Berceni Depot. Following these assessments, a service schedule will be established to meet the required mileage of 10,000 kilometers. The trains have not yet been deployed on Line 5 due to the incomplete status of the static and dynamic tests at the Berceni Depot. A collaborative action plan with the train manufacturer will be developed to consider the operational schedule and nighttime maintenance, determining when the endurance trials can commence. However, these trials will not start until the static tests are completed."
Concurrently, representatives from Alstom România report that the unit 1402-2402 "Giurgiu" is technically operational, a situation confirmed by Metrorex during the completion of static and dynamic training sessions for train mechanics. These sessions also include the certification of the mechanics by Metrorex for operation without passengers on Line 5. Endurance tests of 10,000 kilometers will be conducted only after the validation tests involving Metrorex and AFER are finalized (completing the 10,000 kilometers without passengers represents the final stage before the train is put into circulation).
Mariana Miclăuș, the general director of Metrorex, announces at a specialized event that the first delivered train is expected to enter passenger service in the second quarter of 2025, following the completion of tests and endurance trials. "It is projected that all tests, including the endurance trials covering 10,000 kilometers, will be completed by March 2025, allowing the train to begin operation with passengers. Subsequently, other trains will be introduced in phases, after they undergo their own tests and cover an additional 2,000 kilometers. This implies that the first train could potentially enter service around March or April, contingent upon the successful completion of the endurance tests. These endurance trials do not constitute standard tests but rather involve a mileage requirement that the train must meet without major defects" as noted by the Metrorex official. "Currently, static and dynamic tests are being conducted at the Berceni Depot. Following these assessments, a service schedule will be established to meet the required mileage of 10,000 kilometers. The trains have not yet been deployed on Line 5 due to the incomplete status of the static and dynamic tests at the Berceni Depot. A collaborative action plan with the train manufacturer will be developed to consider the operational schedule and nighttime maintenance, determining when the endurance trials can commence. However, these trials will not start until the static tests are completed."
Sources: https://forum.metrouusor.com/ViewTopic?TopicId=5392&PageNum=56, https://www.gandul.ro/actualitate/ce-se-intampla-cu-noile-metrouri-produse-de-alstom-in-brazilia-giurgiu-ar-fi-operabil-iar-pentru-trenul-5-sibiu-se-vor-repeta-testele-la-taubate-20316554, https://economedia.ro/alte-doua-trenuri-de-metrou-construite-de-alstom-urmeaza-sa-ajunga-in-depoul-berceni-in-perioada-urmatoare-pana-acum-au-mai-sosit-patru-la-finele-anului-vor-fi-zece-trenuri-din-cele-13-contractate.html
2024
December 19
The fifth train, unit 1405-2405 "Sibiu", is
delivered to Berceni depot.
Sources: https://forum.metrouusor.com/ViewTopic?TopicId=5392&PageNum=63
2025
January
The sixth train, unit 1406-2406 "Cluj", is
delivered at Berceni depot on January 14th, 2025, followed by unit
1407-2407 "Iași" before the end of the month.
Sources: https://forum.metrouusor.com/ViewTopic?TopicId=5392&PageNum=65, https://www.gandul.ro/actualitate/alstom-metroul-alstom-trenul-007-din-brazilia-a-ajuns-la-bucuresti-mai-sunt-de-adus-6-garnituri-iar-testele-pe-magistrala-5-inca-nu-au-inceput-20416286
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Latest update on the 16th of February 2025 at 23:54
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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