X'Trapolis Mega

The X'Trapolis Mega is an electric multiple unit (EMU), and part of the X'Trapolis family. It is built by Gibela, a joint venture between French company Alstom and South African company Ubumbano Rail, for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The Mega operates as part of daily Metrorail commuter service in major metropolitan areas across South Africa.

During October 2013, a R51 billion (€4 billion, $4.46 billion) contract for the supply of 600 X'Trapolis Mega trainsets, including a local production arrangement, was signed by Alstom and PRASA.

The majority of the vehicles are to be domestically assembled at a new facility in Dunnottar, established by Gibela, over the course of ten years. During December 2016, local testing of the first trainsets commenced; in May 2017, 13 trainsets begun performing revenue services upon Pretoria-based routes.

It is anticipated for the X'Trapolis Mega will replace the majority of PRASA's existing rolling stock, much of which dates back to the 1950s.

The X'Trapolis Mega is marketed and produced by Gibela, a joint venture headed by Alstom and otherwise populated by several South African companies.

On 5 December 2012, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Chief Executive Lucky Montana and Transport Minister Dikobe Ben Martins announced that Gibela had been selected as the preferred bidder for the first of two ten-year contracts for a large R51 billion (€4 billion, $4.46 billion) order.

Tendered for by PRASA, this order called for the production and delivery of 600 Mega trainsets, comprising 3,600 units, to be delivered between 2015 and 2025, as well as the first 18 years of fleet maintenance.

Other bidders included CSR-Wictra, Bombardier, Dudula Rail, China CNR, CSR EMU Supply, and CAF. During October 2013, it was announced that the contract for the deal has been signed, clearing the way for production to proceed. During July 2014, the contract's financial closure was concluded.