India and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are planning extensive railway infrastructure projects. Also Gulf Cooperation Council are set to spend more than USD 100 billion on establishing modern rail networks that connect all countries on the Arabian Peninsula.

1. RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION AND
UPGRADING IN INDIA AND THE MIDDLE-EAST
India and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are planning
extensive railway infrastructure projects. In its current 5- year plan (2012-
2017), Indian Railways has announced that it will be upgrading its existing
infrastructure and preparing for growing demand. The search is on for smart
technological solutions which can improve levels of efficiency, expand the range
of services provided, cut costs and
manage resources better - particularly
in connection with water recycling and
power solutions.
The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council are set to spend more than
USD 100 billion on establishing modern rail networks that connect all countries
on the Arabian Peninsula. Projects include Etihad Rail, a gigantic 1,200 km
railway network in the United Arab Emirates that will cost USD 11 billion, the
Saudi Landbridge, connecting the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh with the port of
Jeddah on the Red Sea, the North-South Railway in Saudi Arabia and a project
to link Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait by rail.
Photo source for the map: Wikipedia

2. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN RAILWAY PROJECTS ARE HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT FROM THESE OPPORTUNITIES?
AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: Finnish companies have relevant knowhow and the modern
• Signaling and telecommunications: opportunities connected with technology that these megaprojects require. By partnering with
on-board fire detection and alarm systems, track circuit systems, global players, Finnish companies can participate in tenders issued
by railway companies in India or the Middle East. Cooperation with
asset monitoring and maintenance systems
global partners can lead to business also in other markets.
• Safety: The current safety environment on Indian Railways is
Finpro consulting services that can help utilize these market
inadequate largely due to poor infrastructure, scarce resources
opportunities include Entry Options, Sales Channel Development
and a lack of empowerment at the functional level. There are
and Partner Search.
opportunities in the development of train protection and EXAMPLES OF RAILWAY PROJECTS IN MIDDLE EAST
warning systems (TPWS), anti-collision devices (ACD) and train
TR
collision avoidance systems (TCAS).
• New and renewable energy projects: Opportunities associated SY
IQ AF
IR
with providing grid-connected solar panels at major railway JO
stations, rooftop solar panels for passenger coaches, solar water SA
PK
heaters, pumps and LED lightning.
• Rolling stock: Finnish companies can partner with global The Saudi Landbridge
OM
manufacturers such as Bombardier, Siemens, GE and Alstom to The North-South Railway
YE Etihad Railway
supply niche technologies, spare parts or maintenance services. Existing Railway Network
A railway to link Oman, United
Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait
Seppo Keränen Lotta Björkell Finpro Visiting address
Regional Sales Manager: India, Middle-East, Africa Junior Consultant Helsinki Porkkalankatu 1
+358 400 535 907 +358 40 343 3470 PL 358 00180 Helsinki
seppo.keranen@finpro.fi lotta.bjorkell@finpro.fi 0018 1 Helsini Telephone: +358 (0) 204 6951
Fax: +358 (0) 204 695 200 www.finpro.fi
www.finpro.fi/english-pages/opportunities-worldwide Email: info@finpro.fi