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15 September 2025
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Sep 15, 2025Railly News
The Royal Commission for the City of Mecca and the Holy Places (RCMC) has launched a long-planned initiative aimed at transforming the city's transportation infrastructure. Mecca metro network project The Commission has taken the first important step towards this mega project. The Commission has invited potential contractors to an early consultation meeting to share their interest and feedback on this massive project.
The RCMC announced that it is seeking to gauge market interest in the multi-billion-dollar metro network project and obtain detailed feedback on the proposed procurement approach from companies attending the event, to be held on September 21. This meeting will play a key role in the project's financial and operational planning.
Following the business announcement meeting on September 21, the RCMC will carefully consider questions and feedback from interested companies. The results of the early market participation will be shared with the public in early November. This process is a significant step toward providing a modern and sustainable solution to Mecca's transportation challenges.
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First Step Taken For Multi-Billion Dollar Metro Project In MeccaThe Royal Commission for the City of Mecca and the Holy Places (RCMC) has launched a long-planned initiative aimed at transforming the city's transportation infrastructure. Mecca metro network project The Commission has taken the first important step towards this mega project. The Commission has invited potential contractors to an early consultation meeting to share their interest and feedback on this massive project.
The RCMC announced that it is seeking to gauge market interest in the multi-billion-dollar metro network project and obtain detailed feedback on the proposed procurement approach from companies attending the event, to be held on September 21. This meeting will play a key role in the project's financial and operational planning.
Following the business announcement meeting on September 21, the RCMC will carefully consider questions and feedback from interested companies. The results of the early market participation will be shared with the public in early November. This process is a significant step toward providing a modern and sustainable solution to Mecca's transportation challenges.
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15 September 20251 min readFirst Step Taken For Multi-Billion Dollar Metro Project In Mecca
Railly News
15 September 2025
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Multi-Million-Pound Upgrades Completed At Key London Northwestern Railway DepotA major milestone in the rollout of one of Britain’s newest train fleets has been reached following an £80 million investment into a key railway depot in Bletchley.
London Northwestern Railway (LNR) and Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, officially announced the completion of the redevelopment of Bletchley Traction Maintenance Depot (TMD) alongside local representatives and members of the rail industry at a special event on Friday 12 September.
The train operator carried out the works to enable the site to stable and maintain LNR’s new fleet of class 730/2 electric trains which entered service on routes to and from London Euston over the summer.
The fleet, which is made up of 36 five-carriage trains, brings an overall 20% uplift in capacity to the West Coast Main Line and will carry millions of passengers to and from the capital each year. They feature open gangways, charging points at every seat and intelligent air conditioning.
To run these modern trains, Bletchley Depot’s main shed has been extended with new modernised carriage servicing sidings, improved inspection facilities and new train lifting equipment. The overhead electrified lines have been replaced and a new overhead gantry now offers roof access to the full length of the train.
The improvements will benefit passengers in dozens of locations across the country, with the new fleet serving routes between Crewe and London and Northampton and London.
John Doughty, engineering director at London Northwestern Railway, said: “We are so pleased to celebrate the completion of these important and transformative upgrades. Having cutting edge equipment and more space in our sidings means our trains can be serviced and maintained more quickly, so we can offer a more reliable service for our passengers.”
Lord Peter Hendy, the Minister of State for Rail, said: “I’m delighted to see the transformation that has taken place at Bletchley depot, made possible by significant government support and a great collaborative effort between London Northwestern Railway and its delivery partners.
“The new trains entering service will provide a much better experience for passengers along the route, connecting millions of people to jobs, education, and leisure opportunities. I look forward to seeing their smooth introduction being completed and enjoying a journey myself in the coming months.”
Bletchley TMD also maintains and stables the Class 150 fleet which runs on the Marston Vale line from Bletchley to Bedford, as well as the trains which will serve the East West Rail route from Oxford to Milton Keynes.
The upgrades were primarily funded by rolling stock company, Porterbrook, with additional support from the Department for Transport, and were carried out by Taylor Woodrow.
They come as part of a major £1billion investment into new trains and infrastructure by LNR and its sister company West Midlands Railway. Separate upgrade work is underway at the company’s depot in Tyseley in Birmingham.
Stefan Rose, chief investment officer at Porterbrook, said: “Working in partnership with London Northwestern Railway and the Department for Transport, these impressive upgrades highlight the important role that private finance can play in maintaining and enhancing rail infrastructure to deliver a better service for passengers.”
For more information on LNR’s investment programme, visit www.lnr.uk/newtrains.
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15 September 20253 min readMulti-Million-Pound Upgrades Completed At Key London Northwestern Railway Depot
Rail Business Daily
15 September 2025
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$102 Million Train Set Purchase Tender For Kolkata MetroFocusing on railway infrastructure projects in India Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)announced a major tender of $102 million for the Kolkata Metro. The tender, 10 train sets to be put into service for new metro lines ve Design, installation, testing and integration of CBTC (Communication Based Train Control) system covers.
RVNL will initiate the process by issuing a tender on October 29 and will complete it on November 4. This comprehensive tender will be CBTC integration for two new sections on Line 6 The tender will be open to joint ventures, but consortium participation will not be allowed. The project Completion within 30 months is targeted, which will require a rapid development process.
The Kolkata Metro currently consists of five lines and 58 stations. Despite a top speed of 100 km/h, the limited capacity of existing rolling stock is noteworthy. Currently, 59 trains from various manufacturers, including CRRC, ICF, BEML, Medha Servo Drives, Bharat Heavy Electricals, and Knorr-Bremse, are in service. These new acquisitions improving network reliability and expanding passenger capacity This tender stands out as a significant step in modernising Kolkata's transportation network.
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12 September 20251 min read$102 Million Train Set Purchase Tender For Kolkata Metro
Railly News
12 September 2025
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Houston Metro'S $2 Billion 2026 Budget Sparks ControversyHouston Metro's $2026 billion budget for 2 has drawn criticism from community leaders, who argue that projects in the voter-approved MetroNext plan have been sidelined in favor of the safety- and service-focused MetroNow program.
In 2019, voters approved the 20-year MetroNext plan, which included light rail extensions and bus rapid transit. However, Metro officials implemented the MetroNow program, which focuses on cleaner stations, improved reliability, and additional police services. This has sparked widespread disappointment among advocates of the already approved projects.
Citizens voiced their dissatisfaction at public hearings, with critics describing MetroNow as a “watered-down” version of MetroNext. They claimed initiatives like light rail, bus lanes, and bike sharing were being ignored in favor of microtransit, roadworks, and safety improvements across the overall system.
The 2026 budget includes funding for 160 buses and 141 accessible vehicles, as well as $18,4 million in public transportation funding for the FIFA World Cup. Metro also budgeted for a $27 million police facility in downtown Houston.
Officials say MetroNow focuses on reliability, efficiency, and safety for the public. However, citing unfulfilled promises like sidewalks, accessibility improvements, and increased transportation infrastructure for future growth, citing nonprofits demanding that voted-in MetroNext projects be the primary focus.
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11 September 20251 min readHouston Metro'S $2 Billion 2026 Budget Sparks Controversy
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11 September 2025
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Ministry Of Transport Builds Five New Railway Lines And Modernises 16,000 Km Of NetworkThe Kazakh Ministry of Transport has announced an infrastructure programme to increase the capacity of the 16,000 km railway network. Five new lines are under construction, including Dostyk – Moyinty with a connection to China, the Almaty bypass, Darbaza – Maktaaral, Moyinty – Kyzylzhar and Bakhta – Ayagoz. The first two are scheduled for completion in 2025, with the remainder to follow by 2026. By 2030, around 5,000 km will also be modernised and a further 11,000 km repaired. Transit volume reached 27.4 million t in 2024 and is expected to rise to 67 million t by 2029 and 100 million t by 2035. Seven border terminals are already in operation, two more are about to open, and five more are in the planning stage. The programme is being implemented by Kazakh state railway KTZ.
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09 September 20251 min readMinistry Of Transport Builds Five New Railway Lines And Modernises 16,000 Km Of Network
Trackopedia
09 September 2025
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The Körfezray Metro Will Be 28,5 Kilometers LongMinister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the project will radically change Kocaeli's transportation network. Körfezray Metro LineHe stated that the project, beyond being merely a transportation project, will also significantly contribute to the city's economic and socio-cultural development. He emphasized that the project will be constructed as a 28,5-kilometer double-track line running along the east-west axis of Kocaeli, serving the Körfez, Derince, İzmit, and Kartepe regions with a total of 18 stations.
Minister Uraloğlu stated that in the first years of the project, approximately 300 thousand passengers It is expected to serve, the design speed will be 80 kilometers per hour and this number will increase in the following years. It is expected to reach 500 thousand These figures show that Körfezray will significantly alleviate Kocaeli's transportation burden and accelerate urban mobility.
The completion of the Körfezray Metro Line aims to modernize Kocaeli's transportation infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion. This will improve the quality of daily life for Kocaeli residents and strengthen the city's logistical and economic potential. The project is described as a significant investment in Kocaeli's future and will contribute to the city's vision of becoming a "transportation capital."
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07 September 20251 min readThe Körfezray Metro Will Be 28,5 Kilometers Long
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07 September 2025
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ÂŁ342 Million Investment Announced For Electrification Of Fife And Borders RailwaysTransport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has today announced an investment of 342 million GBP into a series of 69 new electric trains and the line electrification of both the Fife and Borders railways.
The investment, which will be made by the Scottish Government and represents the initial phase of the electrification of Fife Circle services, was confirmed today in Parliament.
Further electrification work is currently also underway on the 116 million GBP Leven route, which was re-opened in 2024.
I am delighted to confirm that the next phase in Scotland’s programme to decarbonise the railway network will involve the electrification of sections of the Fife and Borders railways. This will support the deployment of battery-electric trains across these key routes.
This latest Scottish Government investment, in excess of £342 million, demonstrates our continuing commitment to making Scotland’s railway even greener, with greater capacity and reliability.
Today, on my journey to Fife, I was able to see the significant progress already being made to electrify the line south of the Forth Bridge and I am pleased works are now underway near Leven. I look forward to returning to Fife to see developments as this work progresses.
Tomorrow I will visit Galashiels to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Borders Rail Line opening.
Just as we are investing in our routes, so too are we committed to modernising our fleets, that is why I can also confirm that ScotRail has been authorised to initiate a procurement exercise for new battery-electric trains that will operate on the Borders Railway, Fife, and also for the replacement of some of those electric fleets currently operating in Glasgow.
We are rightly proud of this Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to Scotland’s railway and the opportunities it can bring to communities and businesses across the nation as we continue to deliver for rail passengers.
The electrification of both the Borders and Fife routes aims to reduce rail emissions, as well as provide capacity and quality of service to drive and support modal shift, providing a more reliable rail service.
Work across the lines is expected to be completed by 2029, with a contract notice for the Suburban fleets set to be issued by ScotRail in Autumn 2025 and the new trains expected to arrive in 2031.
Electrifying the Fife and Borders lines is a significant step forward in our plans for a better and decarbonised railway for Scotland. We are delivering around 140km of electrification in Fife and the Borders, paving the way for the introduction of battery-electric trains on these routes which will provide more capacity and reliability and cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable journeys.
From the early planning stages through to construction, our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to deliver this major upgrade that will bring long-term benefits for passengers and communities. We look forward to this next phase as we continue to transform rail travel on these routes for the future.
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05 September 20253 min readÂŁ342 Million Investment Announced For Electrification Of Fife And Borders Railways
Railway News
05 September 2025
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Pakistan Modernizes Railways With $2 Billion In FundingPakistan has received funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 2 billion dollar This project was financed by Reko Diq It aims to strengthen the infrastructure that is critical for copper transportation from mines to ports and to meet growing economic needs.
ADB is taking the lead on Pakistan's railway renovation project after years of delays stemming from Chinese financing. The project connects one of the country's most important trade routes. The 500-kilometer stretch between Karachi and Rohri will focus on the modernization of the line.
Officials said this upgrade will be achieved annually from the Reko Diq mine, which is expected to be operational in 2028. 200 thousand tons He noted that the line is vital for transporting copper concentrate. Modernizing the line will increase speed and efficiency, enabling it to meet the demand of future cargo volumes.
ADB plans to lead a consortium through a competitive process and involve an international engineering firm to execute the project. This approach reflects Pakistan's transition to a more transparent and sustainable financing model for infrastructure projects compared to previous Chinese-backed projects.
The modernized railway network will also increase the country's trade potential by connecting southern ports to northern trade corridors. This efficient transportation system will not only support mining exports but also stimulate economic growth in other logistics-dependent industrial sectors.
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25 August 20252 min readPakistan Modernizes Railways With $2 Billion In Funding
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25 August 2025
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Retired Train Driver To Take On 700-Mile Charity Cycle From Switzerland To Tamworth In Memory Of Railway ColleaguesPhil Read, 56, will cycle across seven countries over seven days to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of two much-loved and highly respected former rail industry colleagues.
Phil, a former Cross Country Trains driver and current trainer with The Rail Academy, a leading rail training organisation, is set to embark on the extraordinary 700-mile charity cycle journey on 7th September.
Phil’s ambitious route will take him from Stechelberg in Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region through Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, before completing the final leg from Hull to Tamworth on Sunday 14th September following a ferry crossing.
Averaging 100 miles per day, his shortest day will cover 85 miles whilst his longest will see him tackle 125 miles.
The former train driver will be supported throughout his journey by Chris Duddy and Abby Khalifa, both former train drivers who now work alongside Phil as trainers at The Rail Academy. The duo will provide logistical and morale support from their accompanying vehicle.
Phil explained his motivation for taking on the challenge: “I’m raising money for the British Heart Foundation and I’d be so grateful for support. Two close friends have passed away since I cycled from Tamworth to Switzerland in 2015 whilst my wife was having treatment for breast cancer. I am now doing the return trip in memory of Rich Burgess and Marc Jones.
“Rich was a lifelong friend, neighbour, schoolmate and CrossCountry Trains train driver colleague from Tamworth. He sadly passed away suddenly in 2019 aged just 50.
“Marc was a very good friend who owned the mountain house in Switzerland where my wife and I stayed and where I cycled to in 2015. Marc was an ex-British Rail Second-man and Train Driver at Chiltern Railways. He retired early to go and run a B&B in Switzerland with his wife Dianne. Marc also passed away suddenly in 2023. It seemed fitting to do the journey back in memory of these two fantastic people.”
Phil is raising money for the British Heart Foundation through his JustGiving page:Â https://www.justgiving.com/page/philip-read-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
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20 August 20252 min readRetired Train Driver To Take On 700-Mile Charity Cycle From Switzerland To Tamworth In Memory Of Railway Colleagues
Rail Business Daily
20 August 2025
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Rotterdam Metro Modernized With €578 Million InvestmentRotterdam public transport operator RETRET has decided to modernize its metro fleet with an investment of €578 million. Having received approval from city authorities, RET is in the first phase. 38 new trains It aims to improve transportation services by purchasing trains and increasing passenger capacity with these trains.
Of the planned 46 train sets, 38 have been ordered under firm contracts. First deliveries in the 2029, operations are in the 2030 Some of the new trains will replace old vehicles, while the rest On Line E journey intervals of ten minutes reduce to five minutes will be used for. This will increase passenger comfort and the overall capacity of the line will increase significantly. If On Line C If passenger demand increases more than expected, the city has the flexibility to purchase eight additional trains.
New trains, spacious interiors, 90 meters long ve Maximum speed of 100 km/h It is also designed to have driverless capabilities, enabling the transition to automated operating systems in the future.
Within the scope of this modernization project, to ensure that new trains come into service The approach lines near the Waalhaven port will also be improvedAuthorities for this infrastructure work More than 60 million euros According to RET, this investment will not only improve service quality and waiting times, but will also contribute to the city's environmental goals. Experts say this strategic move represents a significant investment that will ensure accessibility and safety for Rotterdam's growing population.
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12 August 20252 min readRotterdam Metro Modernized With €578 Million Investment
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12 August 2025
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$125 Million Loan To Mauritania For Railway ModernizationMauritania has requested funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to modernise its railway infrastructure to increase the efficiency of iron ore mining and exports. $125 million received a loan. The state-owned mining company that will manage the project Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM)will use these funds as part of a larger $512 million modernization project.
The project includes a series of works that will enhance the strategic importance of the existing 704-kilometer Mauritania Railway line. The main objectives are:
New Railway Lines: Two new railway lines, 30 and 12 kilometers long respectively, will be built at the Guelb El Aouj and TĂ´my iron ore deposits. These lines will connect remote mining areas to the main transportation network, improving logistics efficiency.
Modernization and Improvements: Solar panels will be installed at all service stations, two new maintenance depots will be built and the existing maintenance base in Nouadhibou will be expanded.
New Equipment: SNIM will purchase new locomotives, freight and ballast wagons and modern line maintenance equipment.
The Mauritania Railway plays a vital role in both freight and passenger transport, connecting the mining hub of Zouérat to the port city of Nouadhibou. With this modernization project, Mauritania aims to strengthen its position as a reliable iron ore exporter in West Africa, focusing on sustainable development.
This support from the European Investment Bank demonstrates the EU's interest in sustainable infrastructure partnerships in Africa and facilitates Mauritania's access to financing, technology and business opportunities.
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08 August 20252 min read$125 Million Loan To Mauritania For Railway Modernization
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08 August 2025
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7 Million Tons Of Freight Transported On The China-Laos Railway In The First 3,43 Months Of The YearThe China-Laos Railway broke a record for the amount of cargo carried in the first seven months of 2025. Kunming Customs Office According to the data announced by the company, total transportation by rail between January and July 3,43 million tons cargo carried. In the same period, the total value of export and import goods transported was 15,4 billion yuan exceeded.
Data show that the railway's trade efficiency is rapidly increasing. In the first seven months, the volume of goods imported increased compared to the previous year. %6 while export volume increased %41 There was a remarkable rise like this.
Today, the China-Laos Railway connects not only China and Laos, but also Thailand and 19 other countries. Thanks to this expanding network, the variety of goods transported by rail has also increased dramatically. Previously, there were around 500 different products, now Over 3.600 This situation once again proves the strategic importance of the railway for regional trade and integration.
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06 August 20251 min read7 Million Tons Of Freight Transported On The China-Laos Railway In The First 3,43 Months Of The Year
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06 August 2025
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