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16 April 2025
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Apr 16, 2025Railway Technology
Parallel Systems has announced plans to commence its inaugural autonomous rail commercial pilot this month, following the receipt of approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
The pilot will involve the deployment of autonomous battery-electric railcars along a 160-mile route connecting two railroads in Georgia.
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This route will link the Port of Savannah with key distribution centres serving the East Coast, potentially benefiting southern Georgia by reducing highway congestion and providing improved freight transport options.
The autonomous battery-electric technology is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of railroads by facilitating shorter-route transportation, thereby alleviating congestion on major roadways.
The Parallel freight system operates by allowing small groups of ten to 30 vehicles to function in a platoon without physical couplings. This technology is expected to enhance the agility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of railroad operations.
Following the FRAâs approval, Parallel Systems will collaborate with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad (G&W) to initiate the commercial deployment of its railcars.
The company has also completed a Series B funding round, raising $38m, with participation from Anthos Capital, Collaborative Fund, Congruent Ventures, and Riot Ventures. To date, Parallel Systems has secured approximately $100m in total funding.
The funds raised in the latest financing round will be allocated towards the commercialisation of Parallel Systemsâ technology in partnership with strategic railroad operators in both the US and Australia.
Parallel Systems founder and CEO Matt Soule said: âFederal Railroad Administration approval and closing our Series B funding round are two critical milestones for Parallel Systems.
âTogether with our strategic partnerships within the rail industry, Parallel Systems is now poised to fully commercialise our battery-electric rail system, starting with the FRA-approved project in Georgia.â
Parallel Systems currently has a backlog of more than 300 autonomous battery-electric vehicles ordered by leading railroads and anticipates launching initial commercial operations by 2026.
It is also in the process of scaling production of its Generation 3 vehicle, along with the necessary train control systems and autonomy software.
In partnership with Union Pacific Railroad, the company has conducted tests to ensure the new technologyâs compatibility with Positive Train Control, ensuring its safe integration into the national railroad network.
In December 2023, Parallel Systems first demonstrated its platooning operation, where individual railcars connect through bumper-to-bumper contact.
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Porr Secures $488M Contract To Modernise Romanian Railway LineAustrian construction firm PORR has secured a contract worth âŹ428m ($487.7m) from the Romanian National Railway Company to renovate and modernise the Craiova â Drobeta Turnu Severin â CaransebeČ railway line.
The project is part of the Romanian National Railway Companyâs efforts to enhance the railway infrastructure to European standards.
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This design-and-build contract covers the Lot 5 section of the line.
The project includes extensive renovation across 32.6km of track, from single-track to a double-track system.
The project will also include the construction of 18 bridges and 54 culverts along the railway line.
A new twin-track tunnel Poarta I, spanning 1,279m, will be built along with the renovation of the 496m Rachitoberg Tunnel.
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Six stations will undergo renovation and modernisation, comprising Baile Herculane, Mehadia Noua, Mehadia, IablaniČa, CruČovaČ, and DomaČnea Cornea.
The entire project is expected to be completed in 60 months.
Upon completion, the railway line will feature a fully electrified system equipped with an advanced power supply and signalling system, incorporating the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2.
PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss said: âThis project will contribute to improving the flow of traffic and increasing safety along the Orient/East-Med corridor. We at PORR are proud to be making such a sizable contribution to expanding Europeâs transport network.
âOverall, this major project will deliver a significant improvement. It cuts travel time, increases transport capacity, and brings the national infrastructure up to European standards for speed and safety.â
In 2020, PORR received a $115m contract to rehabilitate the Bucharest-Giurgiu railroad line in Southern Romania.
Nominations are now open for the prestigious Railway Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!
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09 June 20252 min readPorr Secures $488M Contract To Modernise Romanian Railway Line
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Alstom Wins $182M Contract For IndiaâS Chennai Metro Phase Ii ExpansionChennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded Alstom a âŹ135m ($182.5m) contract to design, manufacture, supply, test, and commission 96 Metropolis driverless metro cars for Chennai Metro Phase II in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The project spans approximately 119km, with over 76km elevated and 43km underground, operating across three corridors and their inter-corridor sections.
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Under the contract, Alstom will deliver 32 metro trainsets in three-car configurations and provide 15 years of maintenance post-warranty, covering cleaning services, obsolescence management, and maintenance of depot plant and machinery.
The Metropolis trains will be designed at Alstomâs engineering centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and manufactured at its facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, aligning with the âMake in Indiaâ initiative.
Alstom is also currently building 108 driverless Metropolis metro cars for Chennai Metro Phase II, connecting Poonamallee Bypass to Light House across 30 stations, with 18 being elevated and 12 underground.
Since 2010, when Alstom secured its first contract with CMRL, the company has delivered 208 metro cars for Phase I of the Chennai Metro.
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In collaboration with Larsen & Toubro, Alstom has also designed and constructed approximately 86 track kilometres across viaducts, tunnels, underground sections, and depots in Corridors I and II.
Each trainset, accommodating around 900 passengers, is designed with âuniqueâ aesthetics, âhigh safetyâ standards, and a focus on passenger experience and sustainability, stated Alstom.
The trains support multiple operation modes and include train-to-train and train-to-track evacuation features.
Alstomâs Metropolis metro trains are claimed to be tailored to fit both new and existing infrastructure, offer âflexibleâ configurations from two to nine cars, have small to large gauge profiles, various voltage systems, and individual interior designs.
The trains can operate manually or driverless, and have features like low noise levels, high recyclability, and optimised energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact, stated the company.
Alstom India managing director Olivier Loison said: âOur journey in India began with Chennai Metro Phase I in 2010, marking our first Rolling Stock order in the country.
âThis new contract strengthens our association with CMRL in helping modernise Chennaiâs urban rail mobility landscape.â
The company has also supplied metro trains to cities including Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Kochi, Mumbai, Agra-Kanpur, and Indore-Bhopal, with every third metro in India manufactured by Alstom.
Recently, Alstom secured a ÂŁ50m ($67.5m) contract with FirstGroup and Eversholt Rail to upgrade and maintain five six-car Class 222 trains in preparation for the launch of open access passenger services between Stirling and London under FirstGroupâs Lumo brand.
Nominations are now open for the prestigious Railway Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!
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09 June 20253 min readAlstom Wins $182M Contract For IndiaâS Chennai Metro Phase Ii Expansion
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Mayor Announces New Metro Line In âGame Changingâ ÂŁ1.85 Billion Funding DealNorth East Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced the first new Metro line for 30 years will be built as part of a ÂŁ1.85bn funding deal agreed with the Government.
The new Metro line through Washington stands at the heart of the largest single package of investment ever made in the North Eastâs transport networks, funding a huge investment in road maintenance, better and safer walking and cycling routes and new bus priority measures.
Mayor McGuinness secured the investment after raising it personally with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and today hailed the deal agreed with Treasury as âgame changingâ as she delivers on her vision to create the âAngel Networkâ â a fully integrated sustainable transport network to drive the economy, support new home building and extend opportunity to all.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: âWhen I was elected Mayor I promised voters I would extend the Metro and now, 12 months on, I can today announce that will happen.
âI am thrilled to say we can now get on with the job of building the first new Metro line for 30 years, at last connecting Washington to the rail network and linking tens of thousands of people to new jobs and opportunity in our growing advanced manufacturing sector.
âThis is a game-changing moment for the people of our region, who can look forward to a truly world-class integrated public transport network, safer walking and cycling routes throughout our towns and cities, better local roads and a massive acceleration on our journey to an EV future.Â
âI promised to make the North East the home of real opportunity and deliver quality integrated transport that works for all. This funding means that we can create the Angel Network with buses under public control, more electric buses running on time along priority corridors, and contactless smart travel whether you are on a bus a Metro or a train.
âWe will improve accessibility and safety for women and girls through upgrades to railway stations, interchanges and bus stops, make walking and cycling routes attractive and build the best electric vehicle charging network in the country.âÂ
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: âTodayâs funding announcement from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness is fantastic news for the Tyne and Wear Metro, our customers, and the Nexus workforce.
âThis project is going to be transformative for the people of Washington and our customers, opening a new Metro route corridor along the northern part of the former Leamside Line to one of our regionâs largest towns.
âWe look forward to working with our colleagues at the North East Combined Authority to take this exciting project forward.
âAs the public body which operates the Metro system, this as an historic moment for Nexus, one that comes just six months after we began the roll out of our new Metro train fleet.â
Councillor Michael Mordey, the leader of Sunderland Council, said: âThis is great news for Washington and the whole city of Sunderland. We have waited a long time to see Metro reach Washington with a direct line from the city centre.
âThis new Metro line will transform public transport for people living in Washington and connect people from surrounding areas to the jobs we are creating around Nissan and the neighbouring International Advanced Manufacturing Park.â
The mayorâs deal will provide a major boost towards meeting the total cost of Metro to Washington, with the whole package also expected to include private sector funding.
Work to draw up detailed plans for line through Washington is already underway, with the new line, estimated to cost a total of about ÂŁ900m, expected to see the first trains run in 2033, just over 30 years since the Metro line through Sunderland opened.
It will serve tens of thousands of homes in Washington, the fourth largest town in England not until now connected to the rail network, and bring people to jobs in the UKâs largest advanced manufacturing zone around the Nissan car factory.
The £1.85bn announced today will also fund local authority road and public transport projects right across the North East. These include highways maintenance, the roll out of safe and high-quality walking and cycling routes, hundreds of new EV charging points throughout towns and villages, and new bus priority measures to make journey times more reliable.
The funding will also take forward the creation of the Angel Network, a fully integrated sustainable public transport network including contactless travel across bus, Metro and rail and improvements to safety and accessibility where people wait, from bus stops and Metro stations through to large interchanges.
The funding been agreed as the latest phase of the regionâs City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS2). It will cover the five-year period from 2027 to 2032.
The agreement is wholly new money and will form part of the North East Combined Authorityâs âIntegrated Settlementâ, a fully devolved funding stream that will cover investment in transport, housing investment and economic growth and skills and employment programmes which form the Mayorâs New Deal for North East Workers.
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05 June 20255 min readMayor Announces New Metro Line In âGame Changingâ ÂŁ1.85 Billion Funding Deal
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Skanska Wins $167M Contract For Skoyen Metro Station In NorwaySwedish construction company Skanska has received a contract worth Nkr1.7bn ($167.1m) from Fornebubanen for the construction of the Skoyen metro station in Oslo, Norway.
The deal will be recorded in the Nordic order bookings for the second quarter of 2025.Â
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The project entails the development of an underground metro station featuring two tracks and dual access points located on either side of Hoffsveien at Skoyen.
The construction phase is set to commence in September this year, with an anticipated completion date in 2029.
The scope of work includes the creation of a station hall situated around 45m below ground level, along with concrete works, shafts, and various technical installations such as ventilation systems, electrical setups, elevators, and escalators.
Additionally, the project encompasses the development of outdoor areas and access buildings, along with finishing works within pre-excavated tunnels.
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Further construction activities will also take place at Madserud, Bestum, and along the tunnel leading to Majorstuen.
Skoyen serves as a significant public transport hub in Oslo, and the new station aims to enhance capacity and improve connections between the subway, train, and bus services, thereby supporting urban development in the city, according to the company.
In 2022, Skanska secured an additional ÂŁ78m ($105.1m) contract for work on the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway line in the UK.
In April 2020, Skanska, as part of a joint venture, signed a contract with HS2 for the detailed design and construction of major tunnels leading to the London terminus at Euston station.
In 2022, Rio Grande Pacific Corporation (RGPC) selected firms for the final engineering and construction of the Uinta Basin Railway project in Utah.
Aecom was responsible for the final design, while the Skanska-WW Clyde Joint Venture (JV) was tasked with construction.
Nominations are now open for the prestigious Railway Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!
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29 May 20252 min readSkanska Wins $167M Contract For Skoyen Metro Station In Norway
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29 May 2025
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Chiltern Railways Announces £1.5 Billion Of Social Value Contributions In 2024Chiltern Railways has announced £1.5 billion in economic, social, and environmental value in 2024, an increase of £154.8 million on the previous year.
An independent assessment, conducted by leading economics and transport consultancy Steer, uses a rigorous, recognised Economic Impact Assessment methodology to capture the full extent of Chilternâs contribution to society.
This reflects the growth of the network as Chiltern was appointed as the operator of new rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes last month.
The latest analysis covers 2024 and highlights continued growth in Chiltern Railwaysâ economic impact:
Vanessa Russell, HR and Corporate Affairs Director at Chiltern Railways, said: âIt is crucial that we continue to grow our social value contributions as we strive towards making the railway easier, greener and better for our customers and communities.
âI am proud that our social and economic impact continues to deliver and our ongoing engagement with ten station adoption groups and 120 volunteers makes a significant impact across the Chiltern network.â
Chiltern continues to deliver community engagement programmes through Community Rail Partnerships. The initiatives involve ten station adoption groups and over 120 active community volunteers. In addition, the operator delivered £140k in funding to 11 community projects in 2024.
Throughout 2024, Chiltern has continued to build momentum towards delivering a 2030 Vision for a modern, decarbonised railway, by:
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29 May 20252 min readChiltern Railways Announces ÂŁ1.5 Billion Of Social Value Contributions In 2024
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29 May 2025
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Chiltern Railways Announces £1.5 Billion Of Social Value Contributions...Chiltern Railways has announced £1.5 billion in economic, social, and environmental value in 2024, an increase of £154.8 million on the previous year.
An independent assessment, conducted by leading economics and transport consultancy Steer, uses a rigorous, recognised Economic Impact Assessment methodology to capture the full extent of Chilternâs contribution to society.
This reflects the growth of the network as Chiltern was appointed as the operator of new rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes last month.
The latest analysis covers 2024 and highlights continued growth in Chiltern Railwaysâ economic impact:
Vanessa Russell, HR and Corporate Affairs Director at Chiltern Railways, said: âIt is crucial that we continue to grow our social value contributions as we strive towards making the railway easier, greener and better for our customers and communities.
âI am proud that our social and economic impact continues to deliver and our ongoing engagement with ten station adoption groups and 120 volunteers makes a significant impact across the Chiltern network.â
Chiltern continues to deliver community engagement programmes through Community Rail Partnerships. The initiatives involve ten station adoption groups and over 120 active community volunteers. In addition, the operator delivered £140k in funding to 11 community projects in 2024.
Throughout 2024, Chiltern has continued to build momentum towards delivering a 2030 Vision for a modern, decarbonised railway, by:
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29 May 20252 min readChiltern Railways Announces ÂŁ1.5 Billion Of Social Value Contributions...
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Alstom Invests $130M To Expand Railway Production In PolandAlstom has announced an investment of 487m zlotys ($130m) aimed at expanding its railway rolling stock production facilities in Poland over a five-year period from 2022 to 2027.
The funding will be allocated to the companyâs sites in ChorzĂłw, WrocĹaw, and Nadarzyn, with 320m zlotys ($85.2m) already designated for infrastructure improvements and modernisation efforts in the past three years.
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This includes the establishment of a new aluminium welding line at the WrocĹaw facility, which has allowed for an increase in production capabilities beyond carbon steel products.
In addition, Alstom plans to invest approximately 170m zlotys ($45.2m) in the ChorzĂłw site over the next two years to facilitate the construction of new production halls, a railway track, and the installation of advanced equipment.
The new facilities will encompass nearly 8,000m2 and will be equipped with modern production lines to manufacture both double-decker and single-deck trains for various European clients, including those in Denmark, Romania, and Germany.
The expansion in ChorzĂłw will also support the execution of new contracts, including the adaptation of an existing hall that has been operational for more than six years.
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This hall has produced nearly 1,300 cars for 324 Coradia Stream electric multiple units destined for the Italian market, with the last unit completed in spring 2025.
Alstom Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic States managing director Beata Rusinowicz said: âWe are working hard to meet a growing demand for high-quality rolling stock in both the European and global markets.
âThe Polish teams have played a key role in both designing and producing new trains, components and solutions that make mobility safe, comfortable, environmentally friendly and accessible. With new production capacities in our Polish sites, we are planning to execute an ambitious portfolio of orders for international clients.â
Furthermore, in 2024, Alstom enhanced its production capabilities with the inauguration of a new hall at the ĹwiÄtochĹowice plant, which spans more than 10,000m2.
This facility is dedicated to manufacturing specialised components, including cabs for Coradia Max and Coradia Stream trains, as well as subassemblies for metro cars.
The plant is designed to service up to six cars simultaneously and works closely with the ChorzĂłw site, which serves as Alstomâs competency centre for metro and regional train production, as well as components for suburban and urban transport.
Recently, Alstom and ATM Group established a joint venture to bid for the renewal of the Luas light rail systemâs operations and maintenance contract in Dublin, Ireland.
Nominations are now open for the prestigious Railway Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!
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29 May 20253 min readAlstom Invests $130M To Expand Railway Production In Poland
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29 May 2025
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Eib To Provide âŹ400M Loan For Stockholm Metro ExpansionThe European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced that it will contribute approximately âŹ400m ($455.5m) in additional financing for the expansion of the Stockholm metro in Sweden.
The funding is allocated between two recipients, with the Region of Stockholm receiving Skr2.5bn ($262.9m), and the City of Stockholm to be granted Skr2bn (210.3m).
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The additional loan will bring EIBâs total investment in the project to more than âŹ1bn.
The Stockholm metro expansion project includes the construction of three new sections, totalling 30km, with 20km of double-track tunnels and 18 new stations.
This is among the largest metro expansion projects currently in progress in Europe and one of the largest infrastructure projects in Sweden, financed by the European Union. It also marks the largest investment the EIB has made in public transport within the country, according to the bank.
It is anticipated that 130,500 housing units will be developed along these new metro lines.
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EIB vice-president Thomas Ăstros said: âThis investment boosts both sustainable mobility and regional development. By providing an additional loan, we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to climate-smart investments in Europeâs growing cities. This project is an excellent example of how EU funding can benefit both people and the climate.â
The project will be developed across the municipalities of Stockholm, Nacka, Solna, and Järfälla, aiming to provide sustainable and efficient public transport for the regionâs expanding population.
Currently, 730,000 individuals utilise public transport in the county on a daily basis.
City of Stockholm director general Fredrik Jurdell said: âThe EIBâs continued commitment to this financial partnership reaffirms the importance of the metro expansion project for sustainable growth in the capital and the surrounding areas.
The new metro meets the needs of future generations in terms of transport and mobility, but also with regard to housing, given that housing units will be built as part of the project.â
Earlier this month, the EIB announced a financing package of âŹ400m to facilitate the development of a new tramline in Helsinki, Finland.
This initiative is designed to improve public transport connectivity to the eastern suburbs of Laajasalo, Korkeasaari, and Kalasatama.
Nominations are now open for the prestigious Railway Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!
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27 May 20253 min readEib To Provide âŹ400M Loan For Stockholm Metro Expansion
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27 May 2025
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Eib Grants Eur 400M For Major Expansion Of Stockholm MetroThe European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing an additional EUR 400 million in financing to support the significant expansion of Stockholmâs metro systemâone of the largest urban transport infrastructure projects currently underway in Europe.
The funding will be split between the Region of Stockholm and the City of Stockholm, with SEK 2.5 billion allocated to the region and SEK 2 billion to the city. This new tranche brings the EIBâs total contribution to the metro expansion to more than SEK 12 billion (over EUR 1 billion).
A Strategic Investment in Sustainable Urban Mobility
The expansion project involves the construction of three new 30-kilometre sections, of which 20 kilometres will be double-track tunnels, as well as 18 new metro stations and an expanded depot. It will impact four municipalitiesâStockholm, Nacka, Solna, and Järfällaâand is expected to support the development of 130,500 new homes along the new lines.
âThis investment boosts both sustainable mobility and regional development,â said EIB Vice-President Thomas Ăstros. âBy providing an additional loan, we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to climate-smart investments in Europeâs growing cities.â
The metro project is central to the Region of Stockholmâs efforts to accommodate a growing population while addressing climate targets. Currently, around 730,000 people use public transport daily across the county.
âThe EIBâs support is essential for investment in the metro expansion project,â said Region of Stockholm Director-General Emma Lennartson. âContinuing to invest in public transport is an effective way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region.â
Lennartson added that the project aligns with the regionâs goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12% annually in line with the Paris Agreement and Swedenâs target of carbon neutrality by 2045.
City of Stockholm Director-General Fredrik Jurdell said the continued support from the EIB âreaffirms the importance of the metro expansion project for sustainable growth in the capital and the surrounding areas.â
The project has been independently audited by Ceequal, a leading certification system for civil engineering works. Several components of the development received the top âExcellentâ rating, underlining its high sustainability ambitions and its efforts to exceed legal and industry requirements.
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27 May 20252 min readEib Grants Eur 400M For Major Expansion Of Stockholm Metro
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Hs2 Donates 4,000 Tonnes Of Ballast To Bluebell RailwayHS2 is donating thousands of pieces of ballast to the Bluebell Railway in West Sussex as the rail industry unites to mark 200 years of rail travel.
Some 4,000 tonnes of ballast â enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool â was used by HS2 in specially constructed sidings while tunnelling work was carried out at West Ruislip.
The West Ruislip sidings were used to bring 59,000 concrete tunnel ring segments, which were used to construct the Northolt Tunnel West. The segments were produced by PACADAR UK on the Isle of Grain, Kent, with many brought to site by rail taking approximately 16,000 lorries off the road. Excavation of the 5-mile twin bore tunnel is now complete.
The donation of ballast to the Bluebell Railway was organised by Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), the company responsible for building tunnels beneath London for HS2.
It was officially handed over to the volunteer-led heritage organisation, which runs steam trains across 11 miles of track, on 29 April.
The donation forms part of the ongoing Railway 200 campaign highlighting the global boom of rail travel over the years since the first ever public train journey in 1825 from Stockton to Darlington.
By reusing the material, it eliminates the need for unnecessary treatment and transport of the material for waste disposal.
The ballast will be used to reopen platform 1 at Horsted Keynes station (perhaps better known as Downton Abbey station), which has been out of use since 1914.
This means that when the platform is brought back into service in May, the Bluebell Railway will have four operational platforms at Horsted Keynes. The newly reopened platform 1 will also be used for the Railway 200 National Exhibition Train âInspirationâ, which will visit the Bluebell at the end of July.
The donated ballast will also be used to relay an adjacent siding, which will be used as a display area for railway vehicles for the entire event throughout the summer.
Arlo Dew, Senior Project Manager at HS2 Ltd, said: âThis donation of ballast shows the continued importance of industry partners working together to help and promote rail travel not only for future generations but also to help educate those about its proud heritage.
âWhile weâre busy constructing Britainâs modern high-speed rail line, weâre pleased to be able to help play a part in helping to the Bluebell Railway which has a proud track record as a tourist destination showcasing how train travel used to be back in the day.
âWe look forward to seeing the four platforms in operation and the exhibition come to fruition and weâre pleased to have been able to play a small part in helping to bring these exhibits to life.â
Martin Baughurst, Project Director for SCS JV, said: âOur team at West Ruislip worked closely with the volunteers at the Bluebell Railway, jointly developing the logistics plan to safely transport the ballast to the Railway 200 exhibition area. Weâre extremely proud to support the celebration of 200 years of train travel in the UK and look forward to seeing visitors learn about rail past, present and future.â
The Bluebell Railway continues to be a popular tourist attraction and connects Sheffield Park and East Grinstead in Sussex. It was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, starting train services in August 1960.
Neil Glaskin, Chairman of Bluebell Railway said: âWe are very grateful to HS2 for making this ballast available to us. It represents a crucial contribution to our Railway 200 event, which runs from June to September, and there is sufficient remaining to help us relay a section of our running line this autumn.â
As part of the Railway 200 celebrations this year, HS2 will be taking part in two special events at Bluebell Railway showcasing the future of Britainâs rail network.
From Wednesday 4 June to Wednesday 2 July, visitors to the venue can visit a marquee to find out more about the HS2 project with some interactive science and engineering-based games.
Every Monday-Wednesday throughout the four weeks, there will also be a careers fair that its graduate and apprentice team will be attending to talk to young people about HS2 jobs.
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22 May 20254 min readHs2 Donates 4,000 Tonnes Of Ballast To Bluebell Railway
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22 May 2025
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Ăbb Invests âŹ19.7 Billion In Austria'S RailwayĂBB has provided an update on projects contained within its new 2025-2030 framework, which will see an annual figure of over 3.2 billion EUR invested into the national rail network over the next five years.
The framework plan, worth 19.7 billion EUR, will see the administrator invest in a large number of nationwide infrastructure projects to benefit both the stability and quality of the network, as well as increase capacity and commit a total 4.7 billion EUR toward maintenance, repair, servicing, and troubleshooting.
Projects set to be funded as part of the framework include works on the Semmering & Brenner Base Tunnels, as well as the implementation of a four-track western line and the continued modernisation of the Vienna S-Bahn.
Funding has also been allocated for works related to the Traisentalbahn, Kamptalbahn, Erlauftalbahn and Puchbergerbahn in Lower Austria, the Mattigtalbahn in Upper Austria and the Styrian Western and Eastern Railway in Styria.
Investments in the expansion and maintenance of railway infrastructure are an important contribution to a strong economy and contribute to crisis and climate resilience. Given the challenging budgetary situation, however, it goes without saying that ĂBB also contributes.
However, it is important to me to emphasise that every railway project started will be completed and that we will maintain our course of railway expansion.
ĂBB has also re-affirmed that the Koralm Railway is set to begin operations in 2025, with the operator carrying out a full review on each project in conjunction with the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMI IMI) to ensure minimal disruption to passenger services.
As a result, ĂBB has stated that a small number of projects will either see delays or extended projection times, including the Eastern Railwayâs Airport Express Line connection (Klederinger Schleife, Lower Austria), the new line between KĂśstendorf and Salzburg (Salzburg) and works set to be carried out in the Enns Valley (Salzburg/Styria).
Investments in rail will remain at a very high level in the coming years. We will invest a total of almost 20 billion euros in rail expansion by 2030. With every euro of these investments, we will massively advance the mobility transition and also strengthen the domestic economy. And more good news: every newly ordered train will be put on the rails, thus increasing passenger comfort.
Investigations are set to be launched into the under-utilisation of regional railways, despite increases in passenger demand, in order to address disproportionate costs, with the operator stating it will be developing ânew approachesâ for public transport separate from the main routes.
Locations included in the review for an alternative system include the MĂźhlkreis, Hausruck and Almtal Railway in Upper Austria, as well as the Thermal Railway in STMK, which could be set to receive an alternative bus route with an equivalent frequency.
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16 May 20253 min readĂbb Invests âŹ19.7 Billion In Austria'S Railway
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16 May 2025
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Tfgm Begins Procurement For New ÂŁ1.6 Billion Metrolink ContractTransport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched the procurement process for the next operating and maintenance contract for Metrolink, the UKâs largest light rail network.
The new contract is valued at up to 1.6 billion GBP and will run for up to 11 years.
The current contract, held by KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) since 2017, is due to end in 2027. TfGMâs new procurement process aims to identify a partner to continue operating and maintaining the network, which spans eight lines, 103 kilometres of track, and 99 stops across Greater Manchester.
This future contract will support a period of investment and development across the region. Metrolink forms a core part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchesterâs integrated public transport and active travel system. TfGM is currently exploring potential network expansions, including new routes, line extensions, and tram-train connections that would link light and heavy rail services.
The scope of the new contract includes operating services, inspecting and maintaining infrastructure, and supporting future enhancements such as new lines, trams, and signalling systems. The selected operator will also work alongside TfGM to identify renewal works as needed.
The contract is expected to support Greater Manchesterâs wider economic and environmental objectives, including growth in key development zones and the transition to a net zero economy.
Metrolink saw record passenger numbers in 2024, with 45.6 million journeys made across the year. The network also recorded its busiest month in history last November, with 4.2 million passengers. Contactless payment has become the primary method of payment for tram users, with more than 50 million contactless journeys made since its introduction in 2019.
As of March 2025, the contactless âtap and goâ system operates across both Bee Network buses and Metrolink, enabling integrated travel across modes with fare capping.
TfGM will hold a market engagement day on Tuesday 10 June to provide potential bidders with further details on the contract opportunity. A formal market engagement notice is scheduled for publication on 15 May.
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24 April 20252 min readTfgm Begins Procurement For New ÂŁ1.6 Billion Metrolink Contract
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24 April 2025
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