Bombardier Beefs Up Train Production For German Orders, Possible Orders From India

Berlin, Germany (AHN) - Canadian transport equipment maker Bombardier Inc. announced Thursday that its rail group in Germany will supply 15 train sets worth $85 million to German rail Deutsche Bahn AG, while a subsidiary in India has been shortlisted to supply trains in an international tender conducted by the Indian government.

In total, the German railway's orders for Talent 2 trains are 76 units. The orders are part of a framework agreement in February 2007 for Bombardier to deliver up to 321 trains.

The next-generation trains will be manufactured at Bombardier's European plants. It will be equipped with the Mitrac propulsion system, which could boost speeds at 100 miles an hour, and is carrying of up to four cars.

In a related development, Bombardier Transportation India Ltd. was shortlisted by the Indian government for an $8 billion project that would include the building and supply of 660 electric locomotives for the country's railways.

Other shortlisted companies include Germany's Siemens AG and France's Alstom SA. The locomotives will be built in India.