French regulators formalise co-operation ahead of market opening
FRANCE: National transport regulator ART and rail safety authority EPSF have agreed to strengthen their co-operation in preparation for opening up of the domestic rail market to competition, the two organisations announced on July 7.
Launch customer orders Euro 6000 six-axle electric locomotives
SPAIN: Captrain España has become the launch customer for Stadler’s Euro 6000 six-axle multi-system electric locomotive design, signing a framework contract with leasing company Alpha Trains for up to 21 locos.
Snowdon Mountain Railway takes delivery of diesel-battery locomotives
UK: The Snowdon Mountain Railway has taken delivery of two 800 mm gauge diesel-battery hybrid Abt rack locomotives ordered last year from Clayton Equipment, which specialises in the production of bespoke designs for specialist railway, metro, mining and tunnelling applications.
Kars Logistics Centre prepares to receive international rail freight
TURKEY: The first train has run to the Kars Logistics Centre, which is being built to serve the Kars – Tbilisi – Baku railway connecting Turkey with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Full commercial operations are planned to begin by the end of the year.
Spain: Two corridors to boost Iberian freight
Upgrading and reconstruction is in progress to facilitate creation of two freight corridors in the Iberian peninsula. One will link Portugal’s Atlantic ports with the French border at Irún/Hendaye, while the other offers a direct route between the Levante region and the industrial heartlands of northern Spain. Mike Bent reports.
IR invites bids to run private passenger trains
INDIA: Confirming its intention to work with private operators to address a shortfall in passenger capacity, the Indian Railway Board issued requests for qualification on July 1 for 35-year concessions to operate private trains on the national network from 2023.
