Features & Analysis – Page 12
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In depthDigitalisation: Digital Twins gain a new nervous system
Research now underway in Germany is investigating the use of fibre-optic sensing and Digital Twins to boost the capacity of the national rail network, offering the potential for moving block operation and smarter maintenance regimes.
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In depthUSA: Pueblo test centre comes under new management
With management of the vast TTC railway centre in Pueblo, Colorado, transferring from TTCI to ENSCO this year, future director of operations Ron Lang spoke to railway companies to dispel speculation about what the change means for the industry.
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In depthPortugal: Algarve electrification gets up to speed
Award of the second main contract for the 25 kV 50 Hz electrification of IP’s east-west Algarve Line should see the wires stretching from one end of the country to the other by the end of 2024, explains Andre Pires.
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In depthInterview: Iryo targets a 30% share
Ahead of the launch of its Iryo-branded high speed service in Spain later this year, we ask ILSA Chief Executive Simone Gorini to outline his vision for the Trenitalia-backed entrant to the high speed market.
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In depthFrance: Éole makes a critical breakthrough
The completion of tunnelling works for the western extension of Paris RER Line E paves the way for the start of revenue services on the first section in mid-2023, as Project Director Xavier Gruz explains to Jérémie Anne.
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In depthCybersecurity: Intrusion detection to protect the digital railway
Increasing reliance on digital technologies has made railways more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Intrusion Detection Systems can help to protect new and existing infrastructure and ensure availability.
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In depthGermany: FRMCS testbed takes shape
As part of the national Digitale Schiene Deutschland programme, Nokia and Kontron are working together to build a 5G-based communication network in the Erzgebirge mountains to test the Future Railway Mobile Communication System.
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In depthDigitalisation: Keeping the trains on track
Funding has been allocated in the 2022-23 national budget to roll out the locally developed Kavach train collision avoidance system on more than 2 000 route-km of Indian Railways. Raghu Dayal investigates.
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In depthSpain: ‘Basque Y’ inches ahead
Located in a mountainous area presenting formidable engineering challenges, the Y-shaped 1 435 mm gauge high speed network linking San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz and Bilbao in Spain’s Basque region has been designed to handle both passenger and freight trains. Mike Bent reports.
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In depthComment: Wiring advocates push back
Following much focus in recent months about the role that alternative traction technology such as batteries and hydrogen fuel cells could play in decarbonising railways, there are welcome signs that the rail industry is increasing the pressure to deploy more conventional overhead electrification, suggests our Managing Editor Nick Kingsley.
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In depthTicketing: Fair play for fare payers
Automatic detection of fare dodgers has been evaluated on metro networks in Delhi and Lisboa.
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In depthSoutheast Asia: Philippines’ slow revival gathers pace
Development of the North-South Commuter Railway in Manila has lent fresh momentum to plans for rail and metro projects both in Luzon and elsewhere in the Philippines. David Carmona investigates.
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In depthUSA: Let the Games begin!
With Los Angeles selected to host the 2028 summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, Southern California’s commuter rail agency Metrolink has started an enhancement programme to handle increased ridership and deliver long-term benefits, as recently appointed CEO Darren Kettle explains to Dave Lustig.
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In depthSoutheast Asia: Tackling the break of gauge
Passenger and freight facilities are being developed in both Vientiane and Nong Khai to facilitate increased rail traffic across the Laos-Thailand border.
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In depthOnboard services: Building a real-time relationship with passengers
Now being rolled out following trials with two UK train operators, the Real-Time Journey Dashboard developed by Whoosh combines live travel information with entertainment and advertising through a platform that also offers CRM functionality.
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In depthSoutheast Asia: Progress falters with Thai projects
Construction of a new line through Laos from the Chinese border to the capital at Vientiane in just five years is in marked contrast to the halting progress being made by several rail schemes in neighbouring Thailand. Peter Janssen reports from Bangkok.
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In depthSoutheast Asia: East-West landbridge takes shape
Construction of Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link linking Port Klang in the west with Kota Bharu in the northeast is now underway, offering the prospect of a landbridge alternative to the congested shipping routes through the Straits of Malacca. Michael Mackey reports.
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In depthComment: Brazil’s rail revolution
A series of regulatory changes has triggered what may turn out to be a vast expansion of Brazil’s rail network.
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In depthMy Life in Rail: Jay Sheth
Developing metros and millennials: Jay Sheth describes his urban rail career encompassing roles at London Underground and Mumbai Metro One, and sets out how rail organisations can attract and retain younger staff.
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In depthAzerbaijan: Developing a transit hub
After years of declining freight traffic, Azerbaijan’s national railway ADY is seeking to revive its fortunes by focusing on its potential as a hub for transit freight between Asia and Europe. It is also increasing investment in passenger services around Baku. Toma Bačić explains.