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Uk’S Network Rail Signs £500M Supply Deal With British SteelNetwork Rail has signed a £500m ($678.8m) contract with British Steel to supply more than 337,000 tonnes of track over the next five years.
The contract, effective from 1 July, is expected to safeguard thousands of jobs at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant.
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The partnership between Network Rail and British Steel builds upon a longstanding relationship with the Scunthorpe plant, which has produced rail for the UK’s railways since 1865.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the deal during a visit to the Scunthorpe steelworks.
Alexander said: “This landmark contract truly transforms the outlook for British Steel and its dedicated workforce in Scunthorpe, building on its decades-long partnership with Network Rail to produce rail for Britain’s railways.
Network Rail Railway Business Services group director Clive Berrington said: “We are committed to buying British where it makes economic sense to do so and British Steel remain extremely competitive in the provision of rail and will remain our main supplier in the years ahead.”
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The contract with Network Rail, which will meet 80% of its rail requirements, is a component of the government’s £2.5bn steel fund designed to rejuvenate UK steel production over the next five years.
It also forms a part of Network Rail’s broader strategy to procure almost 450,000 tonnes of rail for the next five years.
To ensure a consistent supply, Network Rail will also engage with European manufacturers for additional contracts to supply specialist rail products.
These contracts will complement British Steel’s commitment by providing an additional 80,000-90,000 tonnes of rail.
British Steel commercial director for rail Craig Harvey said: “The contract represents a huge vote of confidence in UK workers and British industry, underpinning the vital role we play in ensuring millions of passengers and freight operators enjoy safe, enjoyable, and timely journeys on Britain’s railways.”
The UK government recently announced a reduction in the minimum age required to begin train driving careers from 20 to 18, aligning the UK with other European countries and addressing staff shortages in the rail industry.
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!railway
Jun 17, 2025
Railway Technology
Porr Secures $488M Contract To Modernise Romanian Railway LineAustrian construction firm PORR has secured a contract worth €428m ($487.7m) from the Romanian National Railway Company to renovate and modernise the Craiova – Drobeta Turnu Severin – Caransebeș railway line.
The project is part of the Romanian National Railway Company’s 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, Iablanița, Crușovaț, and Domașnea 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: “This 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 Europe’s transport network.
“Overall, 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.”
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!railway
Jun 09, 2025
Railway Technology
Alstom Wins $182M Contract For India’S Chennai Metro Phase Ii ExpansionChennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded Alstom a €135m ($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 Alstom’s engineering centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and manufactured at its facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ 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 “unique” aesthetics, “high safety” 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.
Alstom’s Metropolis metro trains are claimed to be tailored to fit both new and existing infrastructure, offer “flexible” 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: “Our journey in India began with Chennai Metro Phase I in 2010, marking our first Rolling Stock order in the country.
“This new contract strengthens our association with CMRL in helping modernise Chennai’s urban rail mobility landscape.”
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 £50m ($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 FirstGroup’s 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!railway
Jun 09, 2025
Railway Technology
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 company’s sites in Chorzów, Wrocław, 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 Wrocław 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 Chorzów 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 Chorzów 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: “We are working hard to meet a growing demand for high-quality rolling stock in both the European and global markets.
“The 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.”
Furthermore, in 2024, Alstom enhanced its production capabilities with the inauguration of a new hall at the Świętochłowice 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 Chorzów site, which serves as Alstom’s 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 system’s 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!railway
May 29, 2025
Railway Technology
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.
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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 £78m ($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!railway
May 29, 2025
Railway Technology
Eib To Provide €400M Loan For Stockholm Metro ExpansionThe European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced that it will contribute approximately €400m ($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 EIB’s total investment in the project to more than €1bn.
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 Östros said: “This 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 Europe’s growing cities. This project is an excellent example of how EU funding can benefit both people and the climate.”
The project will be developed across the municipalities of Stockholm, Nacka, Solna, and Järfälla, aiming to provide sustainable and efficient public transport for the region’s expanding population.
Currently, 730,000 individuals utilise public transport in the county on a daily basis.
City of Stockholm director general Fredrik Jurdell said: “The EIB’s 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.”
Earlier this month, the EIB announced a financing package of €400m 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!railway
May 27, 2025
Railway Technology
Parallel Systems Announces First Autonomous Rail Pilot In GeorgiaParallel 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 FRA’s 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 Systems’ technology in partnership with strategic railroad operators in both the US and Australia.
Parallel Systems founder and CEO Matt Soule said: “Federal Railroad Administration approval and closing our Series B funding round are two critical milestones for Parallel Systems.
“Together 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.”
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 technology’s 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.railway
Apr 16, 2025
Railway Technology
Unicard Secures Partial Certification For Itso 2.1.5 Transport SolutionsUnicard has received partial certification for its PSEngine PersoPOST software in accordance with the newly released ITSO Specification version 2.1.5.
This achievement is said to position Unicard as the first supplier to attain this certification under the new specifications.
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This certification follows the UK Department for Transport’s (DfT) approval in March for the latest ITSO Specification, which aims to enhance integrated smart ticketing across public transport systems.
The company completed the necessary testing for its PSEngine PersoPOST software, meeting all requirements set forth by ITSO.
The ITSO Specification version 2.1.5 introduces new features, including media designed for in-wallet digital ticketing.
This update aligns with current industry trends and government efforts to digitise transport ticketing, providing passengers with options for both digital and physical tickets.
In response to this certification, Unicard is now working on updating its other ITSO products to ensure they meet the requirements for phase two of version 2.1.5.
Unicard CTO Mike Sussman said: “ITSO solutions have been an integral part of Unicard’s products since we first certified with ITSO in 2010. We’re delighted to be the first supplier to certify partially for ITSO 2.1.5.
“This demonstrates our commitment to assuring continued ITSO compliance for all our customers.”
The approval of version 2.1.5 marks a significant update, occurring 15 years after the previous version 2.1.4 was released.
In June 2024, ITSO circulated a draft version of 2.1.5 for feedback from its members, including Unicard, leading to refinements based on their input.
ITSO CEO Steve Holden said: “Collectively we worked hard to realise version 2.1.5 and it is great to see Unicard with the first of many updates across the supply chain.
“Unicard has worked hard to bring this development forward, and we look forward to working with Unicard and all our supplier members in the coming years to realise 2.1.5 across the UK.”
In June 2024, Unicard secured a contract with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to implement its systems for rail services in Glasgow and western Scotland.
The ITSO-based solution will digitise SPT’s ZoneCard system, which is utilised across ScotRail services, the Glasgow Subway, and most regional bus routes.
This upgrade will enable customers to purchase ZoneCard tickets online or simply “tap in” during their travels.
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!railway
Apr 16, 2025
Railway Technology
Ontario Starts Tunnelling Final Segment Of Eglinton Crosstown West ExtensionThe Ontario government in Canada has commenced tunnelling the final segment of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, a key development in the province’s initiative to enhance transit connectivity between Scarborough and Mississauga in Toronto.
This 9km transit line will feature seven new stations linked to the existing Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, improving accessibility for more than 37,500 residents within a ten-minute walk of “world-class” transit options.
It will facilitate connections to regional transit services such as the UP Express, GO Transit, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and MiWay, allowing passengers to take advantage of the province’s “One Fare” programme, which enables free transfers.
When combined with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the extension is expected to reduce travel times between key locations, such as Yonge and Eglinton and Square One, by up to 24 minutes per journey.
Excavation work has commenced on the twin 500m tunnels beneath Eglinton Avenue West, extending from Jane Street to the future Mount Dennis Station.
Ontario Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said: “Today’s milestone on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension highlights the incredible progress our government is making to build transit infrastructure, reduce gridlock and expand access to rapid transit across the GTA.”
In June of the previous year, tunnelling was completed for the western underground section of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, which spans from Renforth Drive to Scarlett Road.
This section will transition into a 1.5km elevated guideway, which is currently under construction.
The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is projected to generate more than 4,500 employment opportunities across various roles, including engineers, construction workers, and operators of cranes and heavy machinery.
The Ontario government is committing nearly C$70bn ($50.46bn) over the next decade to public transit initiatives, including the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
In December 2024, the Ontario government awarded a contract for refurbishing platforms and installing shelters along the Northlander corridor connecting Timmins and Toronto.
The project includes platform reconstruction at Cochrane, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Matheson, North Bay, Temagami, and Temiskaming Shores.railway
Apr 14, 2025
Railway Technology
Us, Egypt Finalise $235M Railway Modernisation ContractsThe US Embassy in Cairo has confirmed the finalisation of three contracts between US-based firm Progress Rail and Egyptian National Railways, aimed at enhancing railway infrastructure in Egypt.
The total value of these contracts exceeds $235m and is expected to bolster economic relations between the two nations while generating employment opportunities.
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The signing event occurred at the Ministry of Transportation located in the New Administrative Capital.
The agreements encompass the refurbishment of 1,000 diesel electric locomotives, which is valued at $185m.
Additionally, there is a 15-year contract for the provision of parts for 141 locomotives, amounting to $42m and a five-year technical assistance services agreement for the same number of locomotives, valued at $5m, with a potential extension for another five years.
US Ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg said: “I am thrilled to witness the signing of these contracts, which bring mutual prosperity to Egypt and the US.
The US is proud to be part of the expanding railway infrastructure in Egypt, and our companies look forward to playing a significant role in supporting railway infrastructure expansion, which is crucial for driving economic growth and stability in the region.”
In May 2024, Alstom completed a signalling upgrade for the 250km Beni Suef-Assuyt railway line in Egypt, located along the Nile River.
The project involved the installation of the advanced SIL 4 electronic interlocking system, IXL SmartLock 400 GP, across the entire line.
In April of the same year, Egypt’s high-speed rail project selected British Steel to provide track for a segment of the line linking Alexandria to the Mediterranean coast, the Gulf of Suez, and the Red Sea.
The contract involves the delivery of 9,500t of track to Alexandria for a 660km section of the network, designed to accommodate passenger and freight trains traveling at speeds of up to 250km/h.railway
Apr 11, 2025