The contests were submitted Friday and Monday.
The auction targets the acquisition by Metrorex of 43 to 51 trains for its fifth underground mainline, currently under construction. The auction targets a frame-agreement that allows up to four subsequent contracts.
For this contract, estimated at around EUR400 million, VAT included, Metrorex received bids from Astra Vagoane, Alstom, CAF, CSR (China) and Pesa (Poland).
Metrorex announced in December it was postponing picking a winner until March, citing the “complexity of the bids”. On March 10, Metrorex said it had assessed the bids and the winner would be announced in the public procurement electronic system and the EU’s Official Journal once the term for settlements and contests expires.
The contract, estimated at RON1.556 billion, net of VAT, will be funded through a state-guaranteed loan from the European Investment Bank and money from the state budget. Considering its estimated worth, this would be the biggest contract of this type awarded by Metrorex.
In 2011, Metrorex bought 16 trains from Spain’s Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) for EUR97 million. That contract was extended at the end of 2014 for eight more trains, for EUR47 million.
Metrorex’ train fleet currently includes several old trains made by Astra Arad, while Alstom has a 15-year train maintenance contract with Metrorex since 2003.
Most of Metrorex’ trains are made by Canada’s Bombardier.
The Transport Ministry announced Tuesday Metrorex general manager Aurel Radu has resigned, but did not give any details as to the reasons for the resignation.