Siemens' rail automation business unit will equip six stations and 108km of track with its Trainguard 100 train protection system for ETCS Level 1, Vicos automatic operations control system, and six electronic Simis W interlockings. GSM-R and Railcom communications management systems and new equipment for an operations control centre in Djelfa will also be installed while the company will provide staff training programmes.

Siemens share of the contract is worth €68m and the system will be commissioned in 2015. The contract follows a similar ETCS signalling and telecommunications contract for the 127km line from Mecheria to El Bayadh awarded to the joint venture in August. Siemens has also supplied ETCS equipment for the 290km section of the Boughezoul to M'Sila and Tissemsilt High Plateau line.