USAID backs standard gauge rail link to Lviv
UKRAINE: The United States Agency for International Development has signed a memorandum of understanding to support national railway Ukrzaliznytsia in the development of a 75 km of standard gauge line from the Mostyska II yard near the Polish border to Sknyliv in the city of Lviv.
TX Logistik completes Exploris acquisition as part of European expansion strategy
GERMANY: The TX Logistik subsidiary of FS Group’s Mercitalia Logistics has finalised the acquisition of Exploris Deutschland Holding GmbH and its Via Cargo, HSL Logistik and Delta Rail subsidiaries. This makes the Italian state railway group company the second largest rail freight operator in Germany, behind incumbent DB Cargo.
Doncaster rail freight terminal expansion deal
UK: Expansion of industrial property developer Verdion’s iPort Rail multimodal freight terminal in Doncaster is to go ahead, after the UK subsidiary of MSC Group’s Medlog business agreed terms to operate the facility under a long-term lease.
Latest tranche of Transpennine Route Upgrade funding confirmed
UK: The release of a further £3·9bn tranche of funding for the ongoing £11·5bn Transpennine Route Upgrade was confirmed by Rail Minister Huw Merriman on December 4.
Japan: Challenge and change at JR Freight
Legislation limiting overtime worked by road haulage drivers comes into force next year, offering JR Freight an opportunity to win back lost traffic. Challenges include the need to adapt more of the 1 067 mm gauge network for 40 ft high cube containers and to develop wagons to carry them. Mike Bent reports.
Viewpoint: French lessons from North America
Radical changes to France’s state-owned rail freight sector are needed following the threat of punitive action from the European Commission. Iker de Luisa, General Manager of the Mexican railway industry association, asks what lessons can be learnt from America.
Manila express EMUs ordered
PHILIPPINES: Mitsubishi Corp has awarded CAF a subcontract to supply seven eight-car electric multiple-units for limited-stop express services on future North-South Commuter Railway in Manila and its hinterland.
