Dear Readers
The Australian heavy haul rail industry, boasting some of the heaviest and longest trains, continues to lead the world in operations and innovation. Join industry leaders and decision-makers at the 14th annual Heavy Haul Rail conference on 26-27 March 2025 at the Crown Perth for an exclusive deep dive into cutting-edge projects and strategies.
The program will showcase the best in local and international project expertise, giving attendees an understanding of the strategic directions of major players together with critical industry and market updates to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operations.
Heavy Haul Rail 2025 will be co-located once again with Rail Turnouts and Rail Signalling.
For more information, visit: https://www.informa.com.au/event/conference/transport-logistics/heavy-haul-rail/
We have 2x exciting Jobs of the Week this week. In Australia, we are looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer with Traction Power experience and in Malaysia we are looking for a Deputy Project Manager with experience in locomotive and wagon manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul (please note for this role, candidates must be fluent in Malay and English).
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
Network Rail has awarded a £22 million contract to Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, to bring more light into London Liverpool Street by renewing the roof panels as well as improving the drainage system of station’s Victorian trainshed. A large area of the roof is covered in lichen growth which allows very little light to enter the station. These lichen covered panels over platforms 1-10, will be replaced to continue to provide essential protection from the elements and make it a lighter, brighter environment for passengers.
Source: Rail UK
12 November 2024. Japan. Mount Fuji light rail study highlights steep challenges
An interim report by Yamanashi Prefecture into a proposal to build a light rail line serving Mount Fuji has raised a series of questions about the infrastructure and rolling stock needed for a railway with gradients likely to be as steep as 8∙8%. Published in late October, the report suggests that the alignment of the railway would follow the Fuji Subaru Line, a toll road running up the northern slopes of the mountain from Lake Kawaguchi to the fifth stage of the climb at a height of 2 305 m; the summit stands at a height of 3 776 m.
Source: Railway Gazette
12 November 2024. Taiwan. Alstom Delivers First Trainset for Taipei’s Wanda Line
Alstom has delivered the first fully automated Metropolis trainset for the new Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line in Taipei. This 22.8-kilometre medium-capacity metro line will significantly improve connectivity between Taipei and New Taipei City. It will serve densely populated areas in New Taipei, such as Zhonghe, Shulin, Tucheng, and Xinzhuang, providing residents with an efficient, direct link to Taipei.
Source: Railway News
11 November 2024. Australia.Contract awarded for Suburban Rail Loop
The second major construction contract for the Suburban Rail Loop project has been awarded.
The $1.7 billion Tunnels North contract covers the northern section of twin tunnels between Glen Waverly and Box Hill. The successful bidder, Terra Verde is a global consortium of Webuild, GS Engineering and Construction, and Bouygues Construction Australia – all with deep experience here and overseas, including on the Metro Tunnel Project, North East Link, the Forrestfield-Airport Link in Perth, and Grand Paris Express.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
10 November 2024. Canada. Metrolinx Commences Procurement for Hamilton LRT
In Ontario, Metrolinx has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) civil and utilities contract. This RFQ marks the first step in the procurement process for selecting the team responsible for initial project components, including utilities, roads, and structures. The Hamilton LRT project’s procurement will proceed in multiple work packages, beginning with this initial RFQ focused on civil works.
Source: Railway News
8 November 2024. United Kingdom. Hitachi Rail’s UK intercity battery trial surpasses expectations
The trial utilised a 700kw battery technology, surpassing initial predictions of up to 30% fuel savings. Angel Trains, Hitachi Rail, and TransPennine Express have successfully concluded the UK’s first intercity battery trial in the North of England. The trial is said to have exceeded expectations, achieving fuel cost savings of 35-50% and demonstrating the potential for zero-emission travel. It utilised a 700kw battery technology, surpassing initial predictions of up to 30% fuel savings.
Source: Railway Technology
7 November 2024. Singapore. SMRT, CRRC Sifang team up to boost train maintenance
SMRT has partnered with CRRC Sifang to enhance the reliability and comfort of the C151B train, which operates on Singapore’s North-South and East-West lines. The collaboration, formalized through two agreements at the 5th LTA-UITP Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE) 2024, aims to trial the latest reliability-centred capabilities and improve commuter experience.
Source: Railway Technology
7 November 2024. Egypt. Bashteel hub in Greater Cairo opens
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated Bashteel main line station in Giza, west of Cairo, on October 12. Also referred to as the Upper Egypt hub, Bashteel has been built to relieve the congested hub at Ramses, located to the east in the city centre. Hassan Allam Construction and Hassan Allam Roads & Bridges acted as lead contractors for the Ministry of Transportation.
Source: Railway Gazette
Job of the Week
Professional Electrical Engineer, Sydney, Australia
Job ID#: 14953
Discipline: Electrical
Language: English
Job Description
Our client is an engineering consultancy and they are seeking a Professional Electrical Engineer.
This role can be based in Sydney, Newcastle or Perth.
As a professional electrical engineer you will conduct technical reporting and analysis tasks, on-site testing and commissioning activities along with project management and client interfacing. Your engineering and project experience will be key to assist the client to deliver the following as part of collaborative team against relevant Australian and International standards:
- Earthing system design, analysis and compliance assessments.
- Lightning protection system design, analysis and compliance assessments.
- Low frequency interference studies.
- Protection grading studies and HV power system load flow investigations and analysis.
- Knowledge of Australian standards relating to high voltage and electrical installations.
- Prepare quality deliverables consistent with client expectations
- Manage work packages to achieve quality, budgetary and programme expectations
- Develop and maintain client relationships
- Assist and mentor less experienced team members
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree (or higher)
- Holds Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Current drivers licence
- Minimum two years (post graduation) experience within high voltage design and commissioning fields
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Deputy Project Manager Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Job ID#: 14943
Discipline: Rolling Stock
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking an experienced engineer for the position of Deputy Project Manager to work on their contract for Locomotive and Wagon Manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). This role is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and will report to the Senior Project Manager.
The Deputy Project Manager is responsible for assisting the Senior Project Manager to manage all aspects of projects related to locomotive and wagon manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul to ensure quality and to achieve project success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead project execution ensuring adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, and contractual requirements.
- Implement strategies to mitigate project risks and address issues promptly to maintain project momentum.
- Provide clear direction, guidance, and support to project team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, schedules, budgets, meeting minutes, and correspondence.
- Ensure project documentation is organized, accessible, and archived appropriately for future reference and audit purposes.
- Identify, assess, and manage project risks to minimize potential impact on project objectives.
- Establish quality control measures and standards to ensure project deliverables meet or exceed client expectations.
- Conduct regular quality inspections and audits to verify compliance with quality requirements and standards.
- Implement corrective actions to address quality issues and prevent reoccurrence.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement cost control measures to optimize project profitability.
Job Requirements
- Degree in Electrical and Electronics/Mechanical Engineering
- Good appreciation of the constraints and interface requirements of electrical and mechanical work
- Strong project management and leadership skills with a proven track record
- Hands-on experience in trains assembly and trains remanufacturing
- Experience in providing communication & instruction for Electrical Engineer/Supervisors
- Experience in production control and coordination of electrical task to achieve the target date/hours.
- Experience managing supply chain and ensure material delivery is maintained.
- Experience in ensuring QA compliance and control.
- Good communication and presentation skills
- A team player who is analytical, resourceful and result-oriented
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
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