Features & Analysis – Page 21
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In depthChina: Expansion drive continues
Despite the impact of the coronavirus, expansion of the Chinese rail network is continuing steadily. Construction work is scheduled to get underway on no fewer than 116 new railway projects this year. Andrew Benton investigates.
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In depthChina: CR targets recovery after Covid-19 slump
China Railway’s ridership was hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown, but a range of initiatives are underway to stimulate recovery, while the construction of new lines continues unabated. Andrew Benton reports.
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In depthChina: Learning lessons from a remarkable programme
Built in an astonishingly short time, China’s huge high speed network has solved the national railway’s capacity problem and generated benefits beyond the rail sector. A comprehensive report by the World Bank suggests there are valuable lessons for other countries too, finds Murray Hughes.
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In depthAustralia: How far and how fast?
High speed rail is once again being touted as a way to boost Australia’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic and improve transport sustainability, but for now the government is focusing on ‘faster rail’ links between regional centres. Chris Jackson investigates.
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In depthComment: A question of support
Chris Jackson , Editor-in-Chief, Railway Gazette Governments and railways around the world are facing up to the economic turmoil engendered by the coronavirus pandemic and the threat of long-term recession. But as countries start easing their lockdown restrictions, the thinking needs to move from simply getting ...
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In depthHigh speed: Reaping the economic benefits of HS1
The high speed line between London and the Channel Tunnel generates annual benefits estimated at £427m, but there is still potential for another £100m if spare capacity is taken up.
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In depthHigh Speed: Open access comes to Spain
December is set to see the launch of open access services on Spain’s high speed network. Mike Bent investigates.
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In depthAsia: Restoring trans-Korean links
Despite the high profile political tensions of recent years, the governments in Seoul and Pyongyang continue to develop plans for better rail links to facilitate trade across the Korean peninsula as well as growing freight flows to Asia and Europe. Toma Bačić investigates.
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In depthChina: Mixed fortunes on the Belt & Road
While some projects being backed by China under the Belt & Road Initiative have been impacted by Covid-19 precautions, others are forging ahead and further schemes are already taking shape, reports Andrew Benton.
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In depthTrack design: Data drives a step change
Although the fundamental principles of track design have endured for more than two centuries, there is still scope for innovation in areas such as surveying, monitoring and maintainability. UK-based track engineer Gareth Dennis presents a snapshot of the trends driving change in permanent way.
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In depthInterview: In search of ‘the golden middle’
Eran Gartner, Chief Executive of infrastructure services and technology specialist Pandrol, reflects on the challenges of globalisation and the industry’s drive towards digital, as well as discussing the impact of Precision Scheduled Railroading with Nick Kingsley.
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In depthEast Coast ETCS: the time is now
Alignment of signalling and rolling stock renewals with service expansion has helped to make the case for installation of ETCS Level 2 on Britain’s East Coast Main Line’. Chris Jackson talks to Network Rail Programme Director Toufic Machnouk and LNER’s Head of ERTMS Paul Boyle.
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In depthCrossCountry: Making a difference
Once regarded as a ‘forgotten’ franchise, and wrestling with capacity challenges, CrossCountry is well placed to play an expanded role in reshaping the UK rail sector, Managing Director Tom Joyner tells Tony Miles.
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In depthUK Franchising: Adjusting to the new normal
The suspension of passenger train operating franchises during the coronavirus crisis provides an opportunity to rethink the commercial model as the Department for Transport reflects on the findings of the Williams Review. Chris Jackson investigates.
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In depthComment: Freight steps forward
Photo: Toma Bačić Coffee is among the consumer goods increasingly moving by rail between Italy and northern Europe during the pandemic. Austria might be amongst the first countries seeking to reanimate its economy by easing the lockdown restrictions enforced to combat Covid-19, but it could still be ...
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In depthNorth Macedonia: Creating a railway crossroads
Policymakers in North Macedonia are fostering enhanced links to neighbouring countries, while investment in Chinese rolling stock is improving the quality of local passenger and freight services. Žrsmt Director-General Orhan Murtezani and Fleet Director Petar Batalakov explain the national operator’s priorities to Toma Bačić.
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In depthCzech Republic: Momentum builds behind national high speed programme
Planning is underway for a new line between Praha and Dresden to relieve congestion on the existing route, together with three other high speed lines which would cut journey times between the main cities in the Czech Republic. Michal Málek investigates.
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In depthResearch: Tackling the fine dust challenge
Standards covering the performance of HVAC units in train interiors are becoming progressively more stringent. High quality air filter design is central to mitigating the health and hygiene risks from fine particulate matter.
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In depthResearch: Transforming Europe’s rail system
Future railway research initiatives need to adopt a partnership approach in order to widen support from EU member states and ensure that the benefits are shared more evenly, believes Miroslav Haltuf*.
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In depthResearch: We need to focus on the vision
As the first Shift2Rail research programme heads towards completion, thoughts are turning to priorities for the next European budget period after 2021. Focusing on the outcomes that rail must deliver by 2050 will help to identify where technical and operational innovation is needed, as Executive Director Carlo Borghini explains to Chris Jackson.