Project Profile: Ouargla Tramway, Algeria

The Ouargla Tramway is a landmark light rail project engineered to provide reliable, high-capacity urban transit in the extreme climatic conditions of the Algerian Sahara. This system serves as a critical case study in adapting modern railway technology, particularly rolling stock and power systems, for sustained operation in desert environments characterized by high temperatures and abrasive sand. Its success offers a robust framework for future infrastructure development in similar arid regions.

Project Fact Sheet

Technical Specifications

The Ouargla Tramway operates on a 9.7 km route connecting the new town of Hai Nasr with the old city centre (Sid Rouhou) via the University of Ouargla, featuring 16 passenger stations and a central maintenance depot. The core of the system is a fleet of 23 Alstom Citadis 402 trams, each with a capacity of over 400 passengers. These vehicles were specifically engineered for the desert environment, incorporating several critical modifications. Key adaptations include enhanced traction and braking systems resilient to temperatures up to 49°C, powerful dual-roof air conditioning units, and solar-protective film on all windows to mitigate intense solar radiation. The power supply infrastructure, including electrical substations, and the communication-based train control (CBTC) signaling systems were also supplied by Alstom, ensuring full system integration and resilience against sand and heat-related operational challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Benchmark for Desert Operations: The project establishes a new benchmark for deploying and operating light rail systems in extreme desert climates, proving the viability of the technology with appropriate engineering modifications.
• Climate-Resilient Rolling Stock: The success highlights the critical importance of customized rolling stock, with specialized adaptations to traction, HVAC, and component protection systems being essential for reliability and passenger comfort.
• Integrated Project Management: Effective collaboration between an experienced project manager (SYSTRA), a civil works consortium, and a single-source systems/rolling stock provider (Alstom) was fundamental to overcoming logistical and environmental challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the Ouargla Tramway’s technology unique?

The Ouargla Tramway’s technology is unique due to its specific adaptations for the Sahara Desert environment. Its Alstom Citadis trams feature reinforced thermal insulation, high-performance air conditioning systems, and specially protected traction and braking components designed to function reliably in extreme heat and prevent damage from abrasive sand.

Who were the main companies responsible for building the Ouargla Tramway?

The construction of the Ouargla Tramway was a collaborative effort. The French firm SYSTRA managed the overall project. A Spanish consortium of Rover Alcisa, Elecnor, and Assignia Infraestructuras handled the civil engineering and construction. Alstom, a French multinational, provided the 23 Citadis trams, signaling, power supply, and other key operational systems.