'Eisenbahn-Technologie 2001' and 'Intertunnel 2001' exhibitions to be held at Messe Basel from 5th-7th December 2001
Basel (ots)
Focus on state-of-the-art transport technology
One could almost say 'The AlpTransit starts in Basle', because the two trade shows, which are returning to the Messe Basel exhibition centre after a three-year break, will be showing precisely the technology required for the new transport links. Both events are well-established in the Swiss exhibition calendar and are a valuable source of specialist information. Over the coming decades Switzerland plans to invest approximately 30 billion Francs (¤ 20.4 billion) in tunnels and rail links.
Back in 1998, Switzerland made the decision to carry out the huge AlpTransit project in order to extend existing rail links and establish new routes. The aim was to take freight traffic off the main roads, make rail links faster and more efficient and improve the quality of life for residents living near major traffic routes. Although the large-scale projects are the ones which hit the headlines, it is not just these that count - signalling equipment, railway stations, signal boxes and numerous other installations have to be either newly built or modernised. Maintenance of available facilities and the existing infrastructure is also important. This is a complex network and constitutes an enormous challenge, which Switzerland is however well able to meet, as the two trade shows will once again prove. Taking place from 5th-7th December 2001 in the Messe Basel exhibition centre, the events will for the first time enjoy the ample space offered by hall 1, which allows both shows to be located on the same floor.
The very best of rail technology
In all 165 exhibitors from 15 different countries will be taking part at Eisenbahn-Technologie 2001 (ET 2001). In addition to manufacturers of rail vehicles, this includes suppliers from a whole range of different industries - from tracks and signalling equipment via communication installations and electrification right through to maintenance and service of tracks and infrastructure.
An important exhibitor in this field is the SWISSRAIL Export Association, an industry organisation based in Berne, which provides assistance to buyers from around the globe looking for Swiss business partners in the railway sector. SWISSRAIL will be showing Swiss railway technology on its large joint venture stand, as well as providing important details during its two-day seminar (5th-6th December). Further infor-mation is available at www.swissrail.com
A second conference also taking place on 5th-6th December 2001 is being organ-ised by Brisk Events from the Netherlands. Here delegates will be discussing 'Passenger safety in mass transit', a vital subject for rail operators and their cus-tomers across the world.
Tunnelling - a highly topical subject
In recent years, tragic events have repeatedly focused public attention on the matter of safety in tunnels. Europe's mountain regions are crisscrossed by road and rail tunnels and the ever increasing volume of traffic means that nearly everywhere these transport links are being placed under greater load. Leading edge technology can provide enhanced safety and Intertunnel 2001 (IT 2001) is the Swiss showcase for this industry. The event does not focus solely on the construction of complex tun-nels, but also on the safety equipment used in them. Lighting, ventilation, fire pre-vention, communication and traffic control in tunnels are just some of the areas in which the 62 exhibitors from 12 different countries will be providing solutions at IT 2001. The associated seminar 'New technology in tunnel management systems', which starts the day before the show opens (4th-6th December), will examine and discuss systems and equipment for tunnel management.
The railway and tunnelling shows ET 2001 and IT 2001 will be held in hall 1 at the Messe Basel exhibition centre. The events are open to trade visitors only. Admission is 18 CHF per day and allows access to both shows. The exhibitions confirm the role of Messe Basel as the international technology venue, with several thousand experts from Europe and overseas being expected. Further information is available via the internet on www.et2001.com and www.intertunnel2001.com or by fax from the exhibition organisers on +44 1707 278 201.
Photos from previous events and of hall 1 are available by e-mail on request.
Press Centre during the shows: Hall 1, Messe Basel, in the foyer left Access with press pass - accreditation and media service in the Press Centre. During the exhibitions the Press Centre is open every day from 9am until 30 minutes after close of show. Press Centre telephone: +41 61 699 4924 Press Centre fax: +41 61 699 4925 E-mail: willi.kunze@mackbrooks.co.uk
Contact:
Kathrin Ebner
MCH Messe Basel
Phone +41 58 206 31 33
E-Mail: kathrin.ebner@messe.ch
Wilfried Kunze
ET 2001/IT 2001 Press Office
Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd.
Forum Place
Hatfield, Herts. AL10 0RN, England
Phone +44 1707 278 200
Fax +44 1707 278 201
E-Mail: willi.kunze@mackbrooks.co.uk