MAJOR Chinese train maker China CNR Corp Ltd has signed CNY24.3 billion (US$3.9 billion) in 30 contracts involving high-speed trains, urban subways and electric vehicles, equivalent to 25 per cent of the company's 2013 revenue.

CNR said the deals included a CNY4.1 billion subway deal with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which Reuters reported in October.

CNR plans to merge with CSR Corp Ltd, another of China's top state-owned train makers, which will create a US$26 billion company able to compete with the likes of Germany's Siemens and Canada's Bombardier.