News from the world rail freight market.

UK: The Centre for Transport in Cities initiative has been launched to bring rail research bodies at universities in Huddersfield and Leeds into a ‘strategic alliance’ with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

SPAIN: High speed infrastructure manager ADIF Alta Velocidad has awarded contracts for the remodelling and expansion of Valladolid-Campo Grande station to accommodate a predicted increase in passenger traffic.

Growing rail’s role in the Spanish logistics sector was the focus of UIP’s Wagon Keepers’ Summit in València. While the global trend for ‘nearshoring’ offers a huge opportunity, many speakers were frustrated at enduring problems in connecting Spain to the pan-European rail network. Nick Kingsley reports.