The metro line 1 and 2 extension covers 37km and will be completed by March 2010. Alstom will provide its information proprietary train control system URBALIS on the above and underground sections of the metro.

On a visit to India, Philippe Mellier, executive vice president, Alstom and president, Alstom Transport, said, "Our capabilities cover the complete range of transport business worldwide. With India moving towards urban and rapid transport systems, the Transport sector is entering a strong growth period. Through our proven technology in Europe and elsewhere in the world, Alstom Transport is well positioned to help India realise this potential."

"In the next five years the transport sector in India is expected to witness a total investment of at least INR 3.5 trillion (equivalent to Euro 62 billion). Furthermore, India will have 10,000 km of new line, heavy haul freight corridor, station upgrades, port connectivity and capacity up-gradation of existing line. We are very excited with this dynamic and potential market scenario and are keen to participate in this growth effort", he added.

Sunand Sharma, country president and chairman, said, "The contract from DMRC stands as a testimonial to Alstom''s world wide expertise, state-of-the-art technology and commitment to the Indian market. This order confirms the growing success of customer confidence in our offerings. Earlier, Alstom was awarded the signaling contract in 2001 for Delhi Metro 1 & 2."

Alstom Transport currently has operations in Delhi, a manufacturing facility at Coimbatore for signalling and a software facility in Bangalore in partnership with Infotech. In 2005, it successfully implemented the signalling and telecom systems, electrical equipments and services for rolling stock and traction equipments for the Delhi Metro.

One in four metros presently in operation in the world is an Alstom metro. Among other major projects currently underway, Alstom Transport has, since 1990, built and equipped several other metro systems, including Singapore''s metro system - the most extensive, completely automatic metro in the world and Lausanne''s metro system in Switzerland. In China, Alstom Transport is upgrading the signalling on Beijing''s line 2 metro system, to be ready in time for the Olympic Games in 2008.