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Here’s the latest round-up of contracts, partnerships and appointments from rail industry suppliers:

• Alstom recently obtained a $2.1 billion contract from French railway SNCF to modify four
A TER - X73500 rail cars. The company will integrate a beacon reader and the associated processing unit, as well as a power supply converter and desk equipment into the modified cars. Alstom plans to deliver a prototype to SNCF by December. Once the cars are modified, they’ll be used to operate trans-border service between Morteau, France, and La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Alstom also announced it has finished testing the European Railway Traffic Management System and ATB signaling system onboard a Prima 6000 locomotive, ensuring the power is compatible with the European and local train-control systems.

• The ABS consortium — which comprises Alstom, Besix and Sercoa — recently obtained a $858.6 million contract from Dubai’s Road Transport Authority to build the first phase of the Al Safooh tram network. The consortium will supply 11 trams and construct a 6.2-mile, 13-station line. The contract includes an option for the tramway’s second phase, which includes building another 2.5 miles of track with six stations and supplying an additional 14 trams.

• ITT Corp.’s Energy Absorption subsidiary has obtained a $1 million order from the Indian Railways for KONI™ dampers and shock absorbers. The order — which makes ITT the largest supplier of energy absorption rolling stock components in India, the company says — calls for supplying more than 3,000 dampers or shock absorbers for Diesel Locomotive Works Varanasi, Chittaranjan Locomotive Works and Rail Coach Factory, Northern Railway and Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. KONI low-friction dampers are designed to prevent metal-to-metal contact to reduce wear and maintenance, and decrease noise generated by passenger trains.

• Subsidiaries of American Railcar Industries Inc. (ARI) and Amtek Auto Ltd. entered into a joint venture agreement to manufacture, sell and supply rail cars and components to customers in India and “other countries to be agreed upon,” according to a prepared statement. The partners plan to begin building a facility in India during 2008’s second half and begin rail-car production in 2009, using manufacturing methods developed by ARI.

• Georgetown Rail Equipment Co. recently appointed Dan Bateman manager-market development and promoted Nate Bachman to director-service planning.