2011-06-26 - ABB is a world leading supplier of innovative and reliable technologies to train manufacturers and railway operators. This includes rolling stock, infrastructure as well as FACTS, network management and SCADA systems. ABB also provides service, maintenance and retrofit.
Power and automation offerings from ABB contribute in improving the lives of more than two billion people in the 74 countries in the Indian sub-continent, Middle East, and Africa. As the growing need for movement of people and goods has made mobility an important aspect in this region, ABB highlights its commitment to efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.
Mechanized movement of goods is a prerequisite for concentration of industry and hence modern manufacturing methods. Similarly, the existence of large cities depends on the reliable transportation for people, and continuous supply of food and other necessities.
Growing urbanization is increasing strain on infrastructure and adding to congestion. Concerns over air quality, CO2 emissions, limited reserves of fossil fuels, and the spatial footprint of conventional modes of transportation are calling for cleaner and more efficient solutions.
Railways are well positioned to meet these requirements. Within city areas, suburban railways and metros make an important contribution to relieving road congestion while offering a low carbon footprint, and if electrified, zero emissions at point of delivery. Many booming metropolises are facing the challenge and opportunity of creating new systems from scratch.
Through its expertise in the power and automation sectors, ABB can offer many products and technologies to the railway industry. Electric railways are major consumers of electricity, and this consumption can fluctuate strongly and in short time periods. Grid management technologies ensure power is delivered reliably while maintaining the stability of the supplying grids. To transfer power from grids to railways and to support the operation of both, ABB provides substations and components (including transformers, frequency converters, switchgear, and FACTS devices). For the trains, the offerings include traction transformers, switchgear, motors, converters, power semiconductor devices, and turbochargers for diesel locomotives.
ABB has grown its rail activities considerably in recent years, becoming a major supplier for several of the leading train manufacturers and rail operators. The technologies and equipment serve in all rail applications, ranging from high speed and suburban railways, to metros, trams, trolleybuses and freight. Service, maintenance and retrofits all form part of the offering.
Since the beginning of the railway industry in the 19th century, ABB and its predecessor companies have been introducing new technologies, localizing products and services that improve the efficiency of an operating railway. We supply components and retrofit solutions for diesel and electrical locomotives, and power products to transmit, monitor and control power to the traction sub-stations for electrified networks.
With rapid urbanization, scope for metro rail solutions has emerged all across India, Middle East and Africa and we are well poised to support these schemes having gained experience and a leadership position with urban transport projects in India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and UAE. ABB offers intelligent and reliable power supply networks for 25,000V AC overhead metro power lines in Delhi and Mumbai, as well as 750V DC metro lines in Dubai, Bangalore, and trolley bus system in Riyadh.
Our technological prowess, global presence, application knowledge coupled with local expertise provides products, systems, solutions and services for building efficient and sustainable rail networks.