Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting the upcoming ARA High Speed Rail Conference which will take place from 16th to 17th October at the Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney, Australia.
High Speed Rail has brought significant environmental, social and economic benefits to communities across the world. It has been shown overseas that small travel time improvements can have a significant impact on increasing patronage and supporting the economies and communities of cities. However, High Speed Rail has been a hotly debated topic in Australia for over half a century and it is critical that there is a detailed, long term plan for such an ambitious project. With strong population growth, especially in our cities, and the costs of technology reducing, our public transport decisionmakers are increasingly focused on sustainable options. This forum will include updates on the latest developments and presentations from key decision-makers and technical experts on HSR.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://ara.net.au/events/upcoming/ara-high-speed-rail-conference-2024-211
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
8 October 2024. Australia. Open date for METRONET line
The Western Australia Government has announced the opening date of the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, delivering better connections to Perth’s north-eastern suburbs. The METRONET Ellenbrook line will officially open on Sunday 8 December, with regular passenger services to commence the next day. The 21km METRONET Ellenbrook Line starts at Bayswater Station, with five new stations at Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
8 October 2024. Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia Railways seeks 200 km/h trainsets
National operator Saudi Arabia Railways has invited expressions of interest in the supply of 200 km/h trainsets to expand and modernise the passenger fleet on the north–south network. SAR is seeking 15 trainsets each comprising two power cars and five coaches, as well eight further power cars as a reserve. The trains would be supplied with a 10-year maintenance package to ensure their long-term reliability and performance. Requirements include wi-fi connectivity, advanced passenger information systems and the ability to withstand the harsh desert conditions.
Source: Railway Gazette
8 October 2024. United States. Amtrak Breaks Ground on Philadelphia Train Maintenance Facility
Amtrak has commenced construction on a new heavy maintenance facility at Penn Coach Yard in Philadelphia to help modernise its rail services. This project was launched with a ceremony attended by Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose, White House Deputy Assistant for Infrastructure Implementation Samantha Silverberg, and Jim Mathews, President & CEO of the Rail Passengers Association.
Source: Railway-News
8 October 2024. Italy. CAF secures two tram contracts in Italy
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has expanded its presence in the Italian market with two new tram rolling stock contracts in Bologna and Rome, collectively valued at approximately €200m ($219m). The City of Bologna has entrusted CAF with a framework contract to supply up to 60 trams, including a four-year maintenance term, spare parts, and special tools. The initial contract covers 33 units, valued at over €130m ($142m), with potential expansion to 60 or even 72 trams, which could significantly increase the operation’s total value.
Source: Railway Technology
8 October 2024. Innotrans. Pandrol combats shortage of rail welders with data and automation
Pandrol launched its i+weld portfolio of seven tools at the Berlin trade fair. The products use automation and data to improve the quality, productivity and safety of rail welding, and the suite includes the newly developed i+align tool, which automates the alignment of two rails before welding. The company hopes this will help make rail welding a more attractive job at a time when there is a growing shortage of skilled aluminothermic welders.
Source: Railway Gazette
8 October 2024. United Arab Emirates. Etihad Rail Rebrands with New Corporate Identity and Vision
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has revealed a new corporate identity, marking the evolution of its mission, vision, and values. This rebranding effort aligns with the company’s strategic objectives, expansion goals, and future growth aspirations, symbolising the unity and connectivity fostered by the railway network across the UAE.
Source: Railway-News
7 October 2024. India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Mumbai Metro’s Aqua Line
The Mumbai Metro’s new Aqua Line has been inaugurated for commercial operations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the first train after Alstom completed installation of signalling and communication systems. The 33.5km line is the first underground line of the Mumbai Metro and is expected to transport more than 1.6 million passengers per day between the Bandra Kurla Complex business district and Aarey JVLR.
Source: Railway Technology
7 October 2024. Canada. AECOM Selected as Design Partner for Edmonton’s LRT Extension
AECOM has been subcontracted to Capital Line Design-Build Ltd. as the design partner to deliver Phase 1 of the City of Edmonton’s Capital Line South Light Rail Transit (LRT) Extension project in Alberta, Canada. This project will extend the city’s light rail network by 4.5 kilometres from Century Park to north of Ellerslie Road. The work will add two new stations along with a facility for the storage and maintenance of light rail vehicles.
Source: Railway-News
4 October 2024. Australia. ARTC delivers new rail bridge
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has announced the successful completion of the Gap Bridge Replacement project in the Liverpool Plains region. Delivered in partnership with contractor John Holland, the project involved the replacement of the life-expired steel rail bridge at Werris Creek and delivered a new concrete ballast top structure, improving the safety and reliability of the bridge for future operations.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
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