'Eisenbahn-Technologie 2001' and 'Intertunnel 2001' exhibitions to be held at Messe Basel from 5th-7th December 2001 /Focus on state-of-the-art transport tech

Basle, Switzerland (PROTEXT/ots) - One could almost say 'TheAlpTransit starts in Basle', because the two trade shows, whichare returning to the Messe Basel exhibition centre after athree-year break, will be showing precisely the technologyrequired for the new transport links. Both events are well-established in the Swiss exhibition calendar and are a valuablesource of specialist information. Over the coming decadesSwitzerland plans to invest approximately 30 billion Francs(Euro 20.4 billion) in tunnels and rail links. Back in 1998, Switzerland made the decision to carry out thehuge AlpTransit project in order to extend existing rail linksand establish new routes. The aim was to take freight trafficoff the main roads, make rail links faster and more efficientand improve the quality of life for residents living near majortraffic routes. Although the large-scale projects are the oneswhich hit the headlines, it is not just these that count -signalling equipment, railway stations, signal boxes andnumerous other installations have to be either newly built ormodernised. Maintenance of available facilities and the existinginfrastructure is also important. This is a complex network andconstitutes an enormous challenge, which Switzerland is howeverwell able to meet, as the two trade shows will once again prove.Taking place from 5th-7th December 2001 in the Messe Baselexhibition centre, the events will for the first time enjoy theample space offered by hall 1, which allows both shows to belocated on the same floor. The very best of rail technology In all 165 exhibitors from 15 different countries will betaking part at Eisenbahn-Technologie 2001 (ET 2001). In additionto manufacturers of rail vehicles, this includes suppliers froma whole range of different industries - from tracks and sig-nalling equipment via communication installations andelectrification right through to maintenance and service oftracks and infrastructure. An important exhibitor in this field is the SWISSRAIL ExportAssociation, an industry organisation based in Berne, whichprovides assistance to buyers from around the globe looking forSwiss business partners in the railway sector. SWISSRAIL will beshowing Swiss railway technology on its large joint venturestand, as well as providing important details during its two-dayseminar (5th-6th December). Further infor-mation is available atwww.swissrail.com

A second conference also taking place on5th-6th December 2001 is being organ-ised by Brisk Events fromthe Netherlands. Here delegates will be discussing 'Passengersafety in mass transit', a vital subject for rail operators andtheir cus-tomers across the world. Tunnelling - a highly topical subject In recent years, tragic events have repeatedly focused publicattention on the matter of safety in tunnels. Europe's mountainregions are crisscrossed by road and rail tunnels and the everincreasing volume of traffic means that nearly everywhere thesetransport links are being placed under greater load. Leading edgetechnology can provide enhanced safety and Intertunnel 2001 (IT2001) is the Swiss showcase for this industry. The event doesnot focus solely on the construction of complex tun-nels, butalso on the safety equipment used in them. Lighting,ventilation, fire pre-vention, communication and traffic controlin tunnels are just some of the areas in which the 62 exhibitorsfrom 12 different countries will be providing solutions at IT2001. The associated seminar 'New technology in tunnelmanagement systems', which starts the day before the show opens(4th-6th December), will examine and discuss systems andequipment for tunnel management. The railway and tunnelling shows ET 2001 and IT 2001 will beheld in hall 1 at the Messe Basel exhibition centre. The eventsare open to trade visitors only. Admission is 18 CHF per day andallows access to both shows. The exhibitions confirm the role ofMesse Basel as the international technology venue, with severalthousand experts from Europe and overseas being expected.Further information is available via the internet onwww.et2001.com and www.intertunnel2001.com or by fax from theexhibition 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 theexhibitions the Press Centre is open every day from 9am until 30minutes after close of show. Press Centre telephone: +41 61 6994924 Press Centre fax:

+41 61 699 4925 E-mail:willi.kunze@mackbrooks.co.uk

ots Original Text Service: MCSMesse Basel AG Internet: www.presseportal.de

Contact: MCHMesse Basel AG Kathrin Ebner phone: +41 58 206 31 33 E-Mail:kathrin.ebner@messe.ch

Wilfried Kunze ET 2001/IT 2001 PressOffice Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd. Forum Place Hatfield,Herts. AL10 0RN, England Tel. +44 1707 278 200 Fax: +44 1707278 201 E-Mail: willi.kunze@mackbrooks.co.uk.

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