The development of a rail corridor serving the globally important hubs of innovation in the region between the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge offers the rail industry a chance to prove that it can successfully undertake major projects, David Hughes, CEO of project promoter East West Railway Co, tells ...

GERMANY: The selection of DB Regio for a contract to operate Mittelthüringer Akku-Netz passenger services using battery-electric multiple-units ‘marks the beginning of a generational change in the traction technology used in local rail passenger transport in Thüringen’, according to the Land’s Infrastructure Minister Steffen Schütz.

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

 

AUSTRALIA: The government of South Australia has taken the operation of suburban passenger train services in Adelaide back into the public sector, ending the contract with Keolis Downer. Tram operations are to follow.

The biggest reforms to Britain’s railways since privatisation 30 years ago are now being implemented. Andrew Grantham tries to cut through the noise and explain what is actually going on.

The biggest reforms to Great Britain’s railways since privatisation 30 years ago are now being implemented. Andrew Grantham tries to cut through the noise and explain what is actually going on.

POLAND: Leasing company Akiem has unveiled the first of 30 Newag Dragon-2 locos ordered to support its expansion in the central European market.

SWITZERLAND: Widmer Rail Services company JeMyn has placed the first order for two Siemens Mobility Vectron electric locomotives with a battery module. This will enable zero-emission last mile freight and shunting operations on non-electrified tracks.

GERMANY: SaaS start-up Menlo79 has secured capital for the further expansion of its Wilson workforce management software for the rail and logistics sectors ’where simple shift planning tools and Excel reach their limits’.

TUNISIA: Line D of the Tunis Réseau Ferroviaire Rapide suburban rail network was launched on January 25, with 10 000 passengers carried on the first day.

UK: Hydrogen technology specialist Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions unveiled its repowered Class 08 shunting locomotive at the Severn Valley Railway on January 31.

UK: Hydrogen technology specialist Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions unveiled its repowered Class 08 shunting locomotive at the Severn Valley Railway on January 31.

DENMARK: Infrastructure manager Banedanmark is to undertake track renewals on the 67 km route between Skjern and Holstebro to facilitate the introduction of Siemens Mobility Mireo Plus B battery trains, which will have a higher axle load than the current diesel multiple-units.

UK: Following a six-month pilot scheme, ScotRail has launched a Tap&Pay pay-as-you-go ticketing app developed by Tracsis Rail Technology & Services using its Hopsta platform.

UK: Geotechnical contractor Geobear has been granted a UK patent for its track strengthening method for use in transition zones.

INDIA: Emphasising a continued focus on economic growth, the government has allocated Rs2·52tr for capital expenditure in the national rail network during the 2025-26 financial year starting on April 1.

UAE: The executive councils of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have signed a co-operation charter for the development of a 150 km high speed rail link between the cities which would be designed for 350 km/h running to offer a 30 min journey time.

IRAN: Tehran Wagon Manufacturing Co has received approval for series production of metro trainsets with 85% domestic content.

FRANCE: This will be one of the most important years for the Italian national train operator’s French open access business, according to Trenitalia France CEO Marco Caposciutti.