A new railway network is being built
Connecting the whole of Paris - what even Napoleon dreamed of is now finally becoming reality. Grand Paris is the name of the railway network that will link the Paris conurbation. Construction work on the new Métro is in full swing and Gilgen Doors Systems is at the forefront of the project. Gilgen is installing numerous platform doors, motorised sliding doors and security doors at 16 stations. Project manager Rene Lehmann is on site and accompanying the current installations in the south of Paris. Among other things, he is jointly responsible for technical problem solving, collaboration with the engineers, internally and on the customer side, and support for the installation teams.
Prototypes simulate signals
The new Line 15 will run around Paris, analogous to the Periferique motorway. The idea is to connect most of the terminus stations of the existing lines. From Pont de Sèvre in the west through the south of Paris to Noisy-Champs in the east. Gilgen is responsible for design, interface, planning, production and delivery to Paris. In addition, technical support is provided on site to ensure that the high quality and safety requirements can be met. Gilgen also provides the customer with prototypes, among other things. These simulate signals so that the IT and signal connection to the overall train operation system can be tested in advance. Further south in Paris, there is a data centre from where commands can be sent and tested between the various interfaces.
An important aspect of the construction process is sustainability: the aim is to be as CO2-neutral as possible. "We are encouraged to use public transport or bicycles to get to the construction site and to use the recycling containers at the stations," says Rene Lehmann. A video with project manager Damien Hugelé offers an insight into the construction process.
Prepared for everyday operation and emergencies
Gilgen is installing 18 motorised sliding doors per platform, twice as many per station. These doors open synchronously with the train doors to allow passengers to board and disembark. The team is also installing 42 safety doors. The doors that open at right angles are intended for emergencies, explains Rene Lehmann: "In case the train can't stop at its stopping position and has to be evacuated." In addition, two platform doors are needed, one at each end of the platform, through which trained personnel can enter the railway tunnel for inspections and maintenance work.
One of the most exciting aspects of the job is the interconnection of all the digital and analogue subsystems. Finally, the platform doors have to be coordinated with the train doors and the information screens, the loudspeakers for the station announcements and alarms, and the lighting and warning displays of the so-called "façade" of the platform have to work correctly. Next stop: Paris Arcueil.
