Pandrol’s Fastening Systems for Grand Paris Express

According to the press release, the metro line 18 is one of four new lines of Grand Paris Express, which is a “major expansion project of the Paris Ile-de-France metro. The new line will be 35 km long and connect Versailles to Orly in 30 minutes. The first section is expected to open in the last quarter of 2026 with a second phase in 2027. It is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

Pandrol’s rail fastening solutions are used in various areas along the track, “including a 14km cut-and-cover underground section and a 6.7km viaduct.” The Safe Driven, or SD, fastening system was reportedly chosen by Alstom “on behalf of the Society des grands projects for the installation on concrete sleepers [ties], ensuring smooth installation with controlled clip guidance, and offering a lightweight design and streamlined track-laying processes that reduce distribution and handling costs.”

Philippe Matuch, Sales Director France at Pandrol, said: “We’re proud to be playing a key role in the development of the Grand Paris Express project with our innovative rail fastening systems, ensuring a reliable and durable track infrastructure for metro line 18. Our rail fastening systems are designed to streamline installation and reduce maintenance and supporting the efficient construction of this transformative metro line.”