The European Investment Bank has agreed a funding package worth €83m to support the acquisition of rolling stock and development of infrastructure for the Tunis RER programme.

The funding has been agreed between EIB, the Tunisian government and state railway SNCFT, and covers lines D and E of the planned RER electrified network. The initial section of Line D would cover 11 km between Tunis-Ville and Gobaa, making use of the existing railway to the Algerian border and serving nine stations. The 8 km first phase of Line E would link Tunis with Bougatfa and serve seven stations.

The first RER trains are expected to begin running under 25 kV 50 Hz electrification by the end of 2018. The EIB funding will contribute towards the cost of procuring a fleet of 28 low-floor EMUs from Hyundai Rotem, as well as construction of a maintenance depot and stabling sidings at termini.

A consortium of Colas Rail, Siemens and local partner Somatra-Get has been awarded a €145m contract to build lines D and E.