French Reseau Ferre de France rail body said that construction and concessions group Vinci has been chosen for a EUR 7.2 billion French rail contract.

The contract will see Vinci build and operate a high speed TGV train line between Bordeaux and Tours, shortening the journey time from Paris to Bordeaux to around two hours by 2016 from three hours at present.

Vinci beat off competition from French rivals Bouygues and Eiffage, after all three had submitted bids in December.

RFF said it hoped to conclude the contract with Vinci over the summer.

(Sourced from www.reuters.com)