Electric railways-ISAP: Countdown for total revamping of its 14 trains

With the naming of the temporary contractor, the second phase of the tender was completed, with an estimated budget of 70 million euros, for the upgrade of the 14 old trains of Line 1 of the Athens metro. This is the total facelift of the old batch of trains, which came into circulation in 1983-1985. The upgraded trains, with their gradual re-circulation, will “close” a part of the big holes that are observed today in passenger traffic, where the frequencies remain at 6-7 minutes, during the peak hours, while the servic3e operates at the limits of its current capabilitiesdynamics.

Completing the second phase of the tender process, the Board of Directors of Stable Transportations S.A. announced the Spanish company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles SA as a temporary contractor, following a relevant proposal by the Tender Committee. It is recalled that Alstom Transport SA also participated in the tender.

The contractor of the project will undertake, within the framework of the detailed specifications and operational requirements, to deliver the 14 trains fully upgraded and capable of productive operation for the next 25 years from the completion of the contract.

Indicatively, the object of the project includes the replacement of old and energy-intensive DC traction motors with modern AC motors and traction systems, the rotating generator with a modern static generator, the air compressors and the pneumatic system, including the passenger door control system.

In addition, facilities for disabled passengers (accessible trains, installation of seat belts for wheelchairs), enhancement of information and the feeling of safety of passengers (installation of closed circuit cameras and information screens), maintenance of the air conditioning system are included.

As for the interior and the sides of the trains, a new floor and side walls will be installed, the interior of the passengers will be aesthetically upgraded by replacing windows, seats, installation of LED lighting, etc.

The delivery time of the contractual object is set at 34 months from the date of signing the contract. However, the delivery of the trains will be done piecemeal, with the first renovated train being delivered in 19 months from the signing of the contract, another 4 in 25 months, 5 more in 30 months and the remaining 4 in 34 months.

It must be noted that the ISAP electric railway network is the oldest line in Greece and cannot run on the much more modern metro lines. Thus its labeling as ISAP and simultaneously as Metro Line 1 is confusing and a bit misleading.