Diabolo

The project, named due its shape resembling a Chinese yo-yo, involved the delivery of two drilled underground train tunnels which are 7.3 metres in diameter, 4km of track for the Brussels connection and 3.4km for Flemish region connection. The state of the art tunnel safety system was installed with computer controlled firefighting capabilities. The scheme also involved the modernisation of the existing train station at Brussels Airport, providing a new ticket hall, improved integration with the Airport terminal and a doubling of the station’s train capacity. In addition to this the Brussels airport cargo road connection was redeveloped and a bicycle bridge was installed over the E19 highway.

Construction was completed in 2012 with a total capex cost of €540 million. Diabolo financed €290 million for the airport train station and underground tunnelling system and Belgian rail operator Infrabel provided €250 million for track works in Brussels and the Flemish region.

• Diversified revenue streams: Stable returns underpinned by three inflation-linked revenue streams supported by a revenue adjustment mechanism
• Critical Infrastructure: The scheme provides critical infrastructure to the people of Belgium reducing journey times, improving connectivity and providing an alternative to travel by road. 
• Long term duration: The asset has a concession of 40 years at the point of investment providing returns over a large time horizon