ALSTOM will supply ERTMS train-control solution for
Betuweroute rail line in the Netherlands

ALSTOM, in cooperation with consortium partner Holland
Railconsult, will supply its ATLAS 200 train-control and
signaling solution for the Betuweroute, a dedicated freight
rail line from the international seaport of Rotterdam to the
German border.

The total value of the contract awarded by ProRail, the
Netherlands' rail-infrastructure authority, is 75
million; ALSTOMs share is 62 million.

The ATLAS 200 train-control solution is ALSTOM's
implementation of ERTMS at Level 2. ERTMS is the new European
Rail Traffic Management System, made up of standards for train
control, called the European Train Control System, and radio
transmission, called GSM-R. (See the notes below for more
information on ERTMS.)

The primary purpose of ERTMS is cross-border
interoperability of trains. Along with interoperability, ERTMS
will deliver the benefits of increased safety, higher speeds
and increased capacity for Europes rail networks.

ALSTOM, with other rail-industry companies, has been at the
forefront of ERTMS development from the definition of standards
through validation to testing. ALSTOM has been testing its
ERTMS solution on a pilot line in the Maastricht area in the
Netherlands as well as on test tracks in France, Italy and the
United Kingdom.

The installation of this ERTMS system on the Betuweroute
will make the Netherlands one of the first countries in Europe
to introduce ERTMS Level 2 on an operational line and confirm
ALSTOMs position as a world leader in the implementation
of ERTMS.

The 160-kilometer Betuweroute is currently under
construction by ProRails Betuweroute project
organization. The line was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry
of Transport, Public Works and Water Management and is due to
enter service in 2007.

 Notes on European Rail Traffic Management System:

Why is ERTMS needed?


The number one goal of the European Rail Traffic Management
System is interoperability of passenger and freight traffic.
Each country has developed its rail infrastructure
independently, and today there are more than 15 types of
train-control and train-protection systems in Europe. ERTMS
offers a single system under which trains that are equipped to
ride the rails in one country would be equipped to operate in
any of the others.

What is ERTMS?


ERTMS has two essential elements: the European Train Control
System, which comprises the ground and train-borne equipment
that ensures the safe operation of trains, and GSM-R, the
digital radio-transmission standard for railways.

What are the three levels of ERTMS?


ERTMS is designed to allow for progressive implementation on
railway lines; each level offers progressive increases in
traffic optimization.


Level 1 provides ATP (automatic train protection), the control
of the trains speed.


Level 2 provides ATP plus movement authority via radio (GSM-R).


Level 3 allows moving-block operation.

With more than 35 product lines and a presence in more than
60 countries, ALSTOM's Transport sector offers a complete range
of products and services for new rolling stock, signaling, and
electrical and mechanical infrastructure as well as maintenance
and rehabilitation services to four distinct types of
customers: urban transit authorities and operators; intercity
passenger rail operators and rolling stock owners; rail freight
operators; and intercity railway infrastructure owners.
ALSTOM's Transport sector, with sales of 5.1 billion in
financial year 2002-2003, is among the world's leading
suppliers to the railway industry.

Holland Railconsult, an engineering and consulting company,
is ALSTOMs risk-sharing partner for the Betuweroute
control-system project. More specifically, is responsible for
applications engineering and integration of the Betuweroute
control system with the existing railway systems.


Holland Railconsult provides solutions for capacity, safety,
environmental and integration on the Dutch rail network. This
expertise enables Holland Railconsult to provide customers at
home and abroad with advice, innovative designs and projects
for rail and other transportation systems.


Holland Railconsult employs 1,600 staff, and in 2002 the
company achieved a turnover of 144 million euros.

Contacts:

International, general, economic press


Séverine Gagneraud/Gilles Tourvieille


Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 55 25 87

internet.press@chq.alstom.com

Trade press


Helen Connolly


Tel.: +33 (0)1 41 66 91 43

helen.connolly@transport.alstom.com

Investor relations


Emmanuelle Chatelain


Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 55 25 33

investor.relations@chq.alstom.com