Delivery of FNM’s first Coradia Stream fuel cell multiple-unit marks a significant step for the H2iseO ‘Hydrogen Valley’ decarbonisation project, as Toma Bačić explains.

PORTUGAL: Infrastructure manager Infraestruturas de Portugal has awarded Hitachi Rail and its partners SISINT and Conecticabo contracts to modernise telecoms and passenger information systems on Lisboa’s Cascais Line.

UK: Design work has been completed for the proposed conversion of a Class 60 diesel freight locomotive to a modern form of steam power. The project’s backers are to make a decision on whether to proceed in the next two to three months, Steamology CEO Matt Candy has told Rail ...

INTERNATIONAL: Future Travel Studio has developed DreamSuite, an airline-inspired flat-bed seat concept intended as an alternative to couchettes for overnight trains.

UK: JST Ports & Logistics Holdings has acquired RFS Works, a material handling company which provides rail logistics at sites such as quarries, construction sites and depots.

USA: ‘With multiple independent federal and state audits completed, every dollar is accounted for, and we stand by the progress and impact of this project’, California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri said after recently appointed US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a review of federal funding for the project.

Development of the South Wales Metro project around Cardiff is progressing apace, and the start of electric operation marks a significant milestone in the programme, as Chris Howe explains.

CZECH REPUBLIC: The Ministry of Transport has selected a preferred design option for two railway tunnels to be built under Praha with a total length of 10·6 km.

News from the world rail freight market.

GERMANY: Deutsche Bahn has awarded Smart Mobile Labs a framework contract for the planning, deployment and operation of secure private 5G networks.

NORWAY: State-owned railway engineering contractor Baneservice has awarded Swedish company Railcare a SKr30m order to supply a Railvac diesel-operated vacuum excavator.

AUSTRALIA: Mackay Sugar has awarded British company Clayton Equipment a contract to supply five diesel-battery hybrid locomotives and radio-controlled brake vans for use on its vast 610 mm gauge rail network in Queensland.

This week’s news from the global railway supply chain.

UK: Egis has acquired railway electrification design and engineering consultancy Overhead Line Engineering Ltd, saying the Derby-based company’s deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience ‘in an industry where specialist expertise is scarce’ would be a valuable addition to the group.

USA: Keolis Commuter Services has issued a request for proposals for the supply of seven battery-electric multiple-units for use on Boston’s Fairmount Line from 2028. It is also seeking proposals to finance the order under a leasing agreement.

EUROPE: Leasing company Northrail’s parent RIVE Private Investment has awarded Siemens Mobility a framework contract for the supply of Vectron locomotives. A firm order has been placed for an initial 15 to be delivered in 2026-27, and this includes an eight-year comprehensive full-service agreement.

UK: A new design of seat cushion incorporating small metal springs instead of foam is to be fitted in the first class area of a Great Western Railway Class 166 diesel multiple-unit this month, with roll-out across the rest of the class planned.

EUROPE: High speed line concessionaire London St Pancras Highspeed and Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel have announced a ‘landmark’ partnership which aims to grow high speed rail services between the UK and continental Europe.

ASIA: Agreement has been reached to start construction of a railway to fill the gap between the Mongolian and Chinese railheads at the Gashuun Sukhait border crossing.

CANADA: The Cadence consortium has been selected to co-design and build, finance, operate and maintain a 300 km/h high speed railway between Toronto and Québec City, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced.