All In depth articles
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In depth
Japan: Extending the Hokuriku Shinkansen
JR West and JR East inaugurated a 125 km extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tsuruga on March 16. Mike Bent reports.
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In depth
Portugal: South International Corridor nears completion
Trains have started running on the first section of the 80 km Évora – Elvas direct line, which is now expected to open in 2025, shortening the TEN-T corridor serving ports in southern Portugal and paving the way for a revival of international passenger services. André Pires reports.
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In depth
Spain: Plan de Cercanías promises an end to inaction
Over the past three decades, much of Spain’s rail investment has been channelled into its expanding high speed network. Government plans now envisage a substantial boost for suburban services which account for 90% of all ridership. Mike Bent investigates.
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In depth
Europe: IoT tools help to ensure a rapid response
German IoT specialist Optimeas is working with infrastructure manager DB InfraGo to enhance the availability of its electrification inspection and repair vehicles as part of efforts to reduce the impact of power supply failures across the network.
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In depth
Europe: Getlink adopts AI and digital twins
As Channel Tunnel operator Getlink prepares for its future role in providing more and better services between the UK and France it is making a transition to a data-driven company, seizing the opportunities offered by data management and artificial intelligence.
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In depth
Interview: ‘Digital pioneers must prioritise simplicity’
Swedish start-up Strainlabs is one of the founding participants in the Vossloh Connect digital ecosystem. Vossloh’s Head of Digital Pierre-Henri Bougeant and Strainlabs’ CEO Csaba Madru explain the partnership and why in rail digitalisation, simplicity is key.
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In depth
Comment: Multilateral initiatives still matter
Globalisation is facing a challenge in the railway industry as countries prioritise domestic production of trains. Nick Kingsley explores the drawbacks of this approach and the continued importance of international co-operation.
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In depth
Interview: Korail grows its international footprint
The South Korean national operator is seeking to enhance the visibility of its overseas business activities, with a recent visit by Korail officials to Kyiv acting as a catalyst. Korail President & CEO Han Moon-Hee explains the company’s international strategy to Benjámin Zelki.
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Metro Report International
Luxembourg: Luxtram eyes an expanding network
As Luxembourg City’s first modern light rail line nears completion, work is getting underway on two branches to form a second route. Two more routes are being planned, along with an interurban link to the country’s second city.
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In depth
Netherlands: TINA on course to reshape HTM tram fleet
Dutch operator HTM has unveiled a mock-up of its next-generation trams from Stadler’s expanding modular TINA range. Dr Harry Hondius reports from Den Haag.
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In depth
Decarbonisation: Accelerating the electrification task
Network Rail is now deploying UK-based Gripple’s SwiftLine Rail Dropper, which the supplier believes will speed up key steps in the installation of overhead electrification equipment.
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In depth
Decarbonisation: Schleswig-Holstein pioneers a battery traction network
An ambitious programme to operate a network of local rail services in north Germany using battery-powered trains is expected to save 10 million litres of diesel fuel a year, as Toma Bačić explains.
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In depth
Interview: Heavy haul line expands Mongolia’s rail capacity
Interviewed about the challenges of building a heavy haul freight line through the Gobi Desert, CEO of Bodi International Dolgormaa Bukhbat highlights the harsh Mongolian climate and the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on logistics and construction.
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In depth
Traction Technology: The weak case for hydrogen
Reinhard Christeller examines the state of the art for using hydrogen in rail traction, and finds that the case for widespread adoption is weak, even if emerging ‘white hydrogen’ fuel holds more potential.
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In depth
Comment: Rail is resurgent despite turbulent times
While emerging markets have long held promise, rail investment is now happening in countries where even in the recent past it would have seemed implausible. Nick Kingsley highlights examples from Iraq to Mongolia.
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In depth
China: Metro networks grow in 14 cities
More than 300 km of new metro lines and extensions were commissioned in China during December 2023, with the completion of 19 projects in 14 cities. This meant that by the beginning of 2024, Chinese cities accounted for nine of the world’s 10 largest networks. Toma Bačić rounds up the latest additions.
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In depth
China: Water Rabbit delivers network growth
More than 3 500 km of new railway was opened in China during 2023, expanding the national network to almost 160 000 route-km. Toma Bačić reviews recent developments.
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In depth
High Speed: FRA grant kick-starts Brightline West
Construction of a high speed inter-city passenger railway in the congested corridor between Las Vegas and Southern California is expected to get underway this year, following the approval of federal funding for the Brightline West project. Dave Lustig investigates.
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In depth
Iran: International connections take shape slowly
Work is progressing on various cross-border rail links as Iranian Railways seeks to strengthen its role as a Eurasian rail hub. Toma Bačić investigates.
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In depth
Middle East: Visions of an inter-continental corridor
Proposals for the development of an India – Middle East – Europe ‘economic corridor’ were announced at the G20 summit in September 2023, but many questions remain about how the project might be implemented. Raghu Dayal investigates.