Dear Readers
Now in its 16th year, Middle East Rail, hosted by Etihad Rail has grown to become the largest and most established transport event in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. This unmissable annual event brings together the leaders of the entire transportation community and hosts more regional and international government representatives than any other event. The international, influential audience comes together to meet, learn, share best practice, explore the very latest solutions for a next generation transportation system and review the technologies and partnerships needed to modernise systems and pioneer the future of transportation as we know it.
Middle East Rail will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from the 17-18th May 2022 and to register, please visit: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/middle-east-rail/index.stm
Also, the Global Rail Conclave is currently underway and to view the Conference Agenda, click here
We have 3x Jobs of the Week this week. In Hong Kong, we are looking for a Chief Programming Manager; in Doha, Qatar we're looking for an Engineering Manager and in Thailand, we are looking for a Regional Sales Manager.
And remember to visit https://www.railpersonnel.com/ to view of all our current Job Opportunities.
Best regards
Rail Personnel
This Week's Headlines
2 May 2022. Norway. Bane NOR to test new ways to scare animals off the tracks
In an effort to reduce wildlife train collisions, Bane NOR will be trialing new measures to help scare moose off the tracks in Norway. Between 15 and 20 locomotives will be fitted with audio equipment. As part of the Wildlife Warning Project, researchers of the Ruralis department of Rural and Regional Research have discovered that the most effective way of dispersing a moose population is the sound of human voices. It proved even more effective than barking dogs or the sound of howling wolves.
Source: Railtech.com
29 April 2022. United States. California High-Speed Rail Speeds Ahead
High-speed rail in California made significant progress this week. The California High-Speed Rail Authority's Board of Directors approved four important milestones for the project, effecting every region along the line.
Source: High Speed Rail Alliance
29 April 2022. Morocco. ‘High speed rail: the right speed for our planet’ World Congress on High Speed Rail to be held in Marrakech
The International Union of Railways has selected Morocco to host the 11th World Congress on High Speed Rail in 2023, reflecting the country’s leading position in the high speed rail sector in Africa and the Middle East. The event’s slogan will be ‘high speed rail: the right speed for our planet’, with the congress emphasising rail’s contribution to addressing climate change and its role in socio-economic development.
Source: Railway Gazette International
Jobs of the Week
Chief Programming Manager, Hong Kong
Job ID#: 13456
Discipline: Programming / Scheduling
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client operates and maintains the mass transit system in Hong Kong and is looking for a suitably qualified individuals to join their Capital Works Business Unit as the Chief Programming Manager.
The chief Programming Manager will be assigned to and is responsible for the following:
*Manage the programme planning of new railway extension projects
*Lead a team of multi-disciplinary programming staff to formulate master programmes, review project
progress, conduct programme assessment and provide appropriate recommendations for programme
delay recovery measures or programme acceleration
*Establish progress monitoring system to identify potential problems related to programme and progress
*Perform forensic delay assessment and quantitative schedule risk analysis
*Drive development of digital processes and systems for contemporaneous time management and earned
value management
Appointment will be made on two-year renewable contract terms.
Job Requirements
*Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline
*A minimum of 15 years" relevant experience in major construction projects and methodologies,
planning and programming, of which 6 years should be at managerial level
*Possession of Corporate Membership of a recognized professional institution
*Construction experience in railway or other major infrastructure projects is an advantage
*Fully conversant with programming techniques and hands-on experience in the application of
programming software, preferably Primavera P6
*Qualification and relevant experience in NEC Project Management is preferred
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Engineering Manager, Doha, Qatar
Job ID#: 13362
Discipline: Programming / Scheduling
Position Type: Contract
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client has a contract to maintain the Doha Metro System-Phase I. The scope includes rolling stock, power, signaling, communications, automatic fare collection, platform edge doors, tunnel ventilation and other systems necessary to ensure the proper operation of the Doha Metro system.
They are looking for an Engineering Manager who will report to the Maintenance Director, bears the responsibility of the provisions of safe, effective and efficient engineering support services to support the operation of Doha Metro.
Applicants should be proficient in:
* ISO 55001 ,Asset Management- a must (First Priority)
* strong understanding of System Assurance- a must (Second Priority);and
* Obsceneness management- a must (third priority)
* Performance Monitoring
* Cybersecurity- preferable
* MMS-preferable
* Variation- preferable
Major responsibilities
The role is to lead the monitoring and accuracy / consistency of plans, cost, safety, environment and performance reporting, and deploying available controls team resources to best effect.
* Provide a realistic baseline and embed effective controls to monitor progress, advise on risk & opportunity by managing issues and mitigating slippage to drive delivery to enable successful project control outcomes.
* Evaluate and ensure that proper controls over the resources, spare parts for (PM/CM) activities are allocated & planned to optimize the schedule and project performance
* Monitor the data inputs by Subsystem teams and others to cost and performance systems meet required data standards.
* Maintenance Management of MMS.
* Lead the Planning, Fault Management and Warehouse section and ensure proper delivery of their duties.
* On- Call is required.
Budget and Expenditure
* Monitor and manage the costs of the service to ensure the service is provided within the budget
Critical Maintenance Activities
* Monitor and ensure all the critical maintenance activities provided by the SM Organization are performed according to the QA Policy and System
Job Requirements:
Technical & Professional Knowledge and Skills
Educational Qualifications
* Holder of Degree or equivalent in Engineering
* Registered qualified engineer or equivalent preferred
Experience
* Over 15 years of experience in the provision of engineering support service in maintenance projects and project management.
Other skills and conditions
* Communication skills
* Proactive and positive attitude
* Excellent management skills
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Regional Sales Manager, Bangkok, Thailand
Job ID#: 13455
Discipline: Permanent Way
Position Type: Permanent
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is looking for Regional Sales Manager to coordinate or reports to the Head of Sales Product Line in Welding Equipment.
Main purpose of job:
* Drive the profitable growth strategy of the company/firm, sustainable and resilient track systems in the APAC region.
*. Develop a long-term growth sales strategy in APAC for company/firm under HQ business plan and management.
* Build a strong network of long-term relations with railway industry key stakeholders for the organization under the guidance from company/firm management HQ.
* Responsible for lead identification/generation of business opportunities, contract closure and after sales service in coordination with the rest of SRS organization.
* Develop existing client"s portfolio and multiyear- pipeline generation
* Experience in railway industry is MANDATORY
* Promotion of SRS portfolio
* Market analysis: Generate market reports periodically to contribute to SRS global business plan in railway sector business.
* Reporting and close interaction with the company/firm general management
* Conduct and negotiate business deals in respect to manufacturing and logistical issues
* Ensure the business provides products and services which exceed the customers' expectations.
* Mutually beneficial collaboration with wider APAC sales teams
* Proved record of sales and development in the SE Asian region.
Job Requirements:
Knowledge and Skills Required:
* Preferred to have a post graduate qualification in Management from a recognized tertiary institution.
* Preferred to have a business degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or Commerce from a recognized tertiary institution.
* Proven experience and success over a number of years in a similar role.
* Proven people management skills.
* Demonstrated ability to lead a team at all levels of management and employees.
* Must have good English written and spoken skills.
* Must have excellent skills in strategic planning implementation and execution of business plans to ensure the continued success of the company/firm Asia Pacific region.
* Must have a proven track record in successful business growth and ensuring concession planning.
* Must have the ability and track record in achieving all Stakeholder expectations
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Rail News
2 May 2022. Spain. Adif announces multi-million track renewal campaign
Adif will be replacing nearly 32 kilometres of tracks in Huelva province, the infrastructure manager announced recently. The project is valued at just over 37 million euros. With the complete renewal of the Calañas-Peguerillas section of the Zafra-Huelva line, Adif aims to make the line more reliable. The renewal also includes an overhaul of the track infrastructure. Once complete, the temporary speed limitations should be lifted and travel time reduced. The project has been awarded to Grupo Azvi and will take around 10 months to complete, Adif said last Friday.
Source: Railtech.com
2 May 2022. Norway. Bane NOR to test new ways to scare animals off the tracks
In an effort to reduce wildlife train collisions, Bane NOR will be trialing new measures to help scare moose off the tracks in Norway. Between 15 and 20 locomotives will be fitted with audio equipment. As part of the Wildlife Warning Project, researchers of the Ruralis department of Rural and Regional Research have discovered that the most effective way of dispersing a moose population is the sound of human voices. It proved even more effective than barking dogs or the sound of howling wolves.
Source: Railtech.com
29 April 2022. United States. California High-Speed Rail Speeds Ahead
High-speed rail in California made significant progress this week. The California High-Speed Rail Authority's Board of Directors approved four important milestones for the project, effecting every region along the line.
1. The San Jose to Merced Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
2. Modernization of Los Angeles Union Station
3. Design Process for Central Valley Stations
4. The 2022 Business Plan.
These are all important milestones in the effort to build the first high-speed rail network in the US, and we have more details.
Source: High Speed Rail Alliance
https://hsrail.org/blog/california-high-speed-rail-speeds-ahead?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=70fa2238-5562-400b-9655-71f2aed79ed7
29 April 2022. Poland. Poland opens funding floodgates for new lines and upgrades
Poland will double its planned rail investments to 11 billion zloty (2,36 billion euros), the Polish government recently announced. This should enable the completion of 34 project, up from 17 under the original plans. As part of those various projects, existing lines will be upgraded and new railway lines will be constructed. In total, the government is aiming for the completion of 1,203 kilometres of track. The 11-billion-zloty investment will be made under the Railway Plus banner, a programme that was introduced in 2018 in order to upgrade and expand Poland’s railway network. One of the programme’s pillars is to improve connections to small and medium-sized towns.
Source: Raitech.com
https://www.railtech.com/infrastructure/2022/04/29/poland-opens-funding-floodgates-for-new-lines-and-upgrades/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%20week%202022-17
The International Union of Railways has selected Morocco to host the 11th World Congress on High Speed Rail in 2023, reflecting the country’s leading position in the high speed rail sector in Africa and the Middle East. The event’s slogan will be ‘high speed rail: the right speed for our planet’, with the congress emphasising rail’s contribution to addressing climate change and its role in socio-economic development.
Source: Railway Gazette International
The project will add capacity to the station for existing rail services, as well as future high-speed rail services. The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Board of Directors approved a multi-million-dollar project management and funding agreement with Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (L.A. Metro) to modernize the historic LA Union Station through the Link Union Station (Link US) project. The Link US project will allow trains to enter and exit from both the north and south of the station, which will increase capacity for rail service and reduce train idling times. Additionally, the project will improve connections between Metrolink, Metro Rail and bus services. The project will also accommodate future high-speed rail service and includes a new expanded passageway under the tracks and new platforms, escalators and elevators.
Source: Mass Transit Mag
27 April 2022. Czech Republic. Leo Express reportedly cancels CRRC train contract
Open-access passenger operator Leo Express told Railway Gazette International on April 27 that ‘taking into account the current situation, Leo Express cannot provide any comments with respect to the relationship with CRRC.’ This follows local media reports that it had cancelled a contract for the Chinese manufacturer to supply inter-city trainsets. In September 2016 Leo Express signed a KC5bn agreement for CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive to supply three six-car 25 kV 50 Hz/3kV DC trainsets for use on routes linking the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland, with options for up to 30 more. The first was delivered to the Czech Republic in September 2019 and sent to the VÚŽ test track in Velim, although testing was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. The second trainset has also been delivered.
Source: Railway Gazette International
26 April 2022. Australia. Cross River Rail station excavation milestone
The excavation of a station box at a record-breaking depth of 50m below Brisbane’s CBD as part of the Cross River rail underground station on Albert Street has been completed. The construction of the Albert Street station is Brisbane CBD’s first new train station in more than 120 years. The fully excavated station box is about 46.4m below ground at the main bottom (B10) level, and almost 50m below ground level at its deepest point at sump level (about 15 storeys).
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
26 April 2022. Bombardier to fight Alstom's claim on rail deal in arbitration
Bombardier Inc said on Monday it would defend itself against a request for arbitration by Alstom SA. Bombardier said it received a notice from Alstom requesting arbitration before the International Chamber of Commerce. Alstom is alleging that Bombardier is in breach of certain contractual provisions, the business jet maker said in a statement. Bombardier who is to report quarterly earnings on May 5, said the proceedings could last several years. Alstom was not immediately available for comment. French train maker Alstom bought the Bombardier rail business in January 2021 for 5.5 billion euros.
Source: Reuters
24 April 2022. Australia. Alstom wins contract to supply 100 trams to Australia
Alstom has signed a framework contract with the Department of Transport Victoria in Australia to supply 100 Flexity low-floor Next Generation Trams (NGTs) for the largest urban tram network in the world. The contract is valued at approximately €700 million, and includes the supply of rolling stock and 15-years maintenance. It is the largest contract for trams in Australia and across the Southern hemisphere.
Source: Rail Advent
22 April 2022. Indonesia. Jakarta – Bandung high speed railway tracklaying underway
Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi attended a ceremony at Tegaluar depot on April 20 to mark the installation of the first rails for the KCJB high speed line which will link Jakarta with Bandung. Sumadi said the line being built by Indonesian-Chinese design-build-operate concessionaire PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China was a national strategic project and a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Source: Railway Gazette
21 April 2022. India. India’s metro journey continues with community growth
Statistics present credence to the notion that there’s a metro revolution underway in India. The nation’s 723km of metro traces are unfold throughout 18 cities, with one other 1000km at various phases of building. India’s Ministry of City Growth, which oversees such tasks, is more likely to approve one other six tasks this 12 months. In a sign of the nationwide authorities’s intentions for metro, the finance minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, stated in her funds speech on February 1, spending on metro tasks throughout the nation would improve to Rs 191bn ($US 2.51bn) in 2022, up from Rs 189bn final 12 months. General mass transit acquired Rs 238.75bn.
Source: Report Delhi
Vienna’s lightrail system, also known as the S-Bahn, will be revamped in the coming ten years. The emphasis will be on digitalisation and upgraded infrastructure, which should facilitate the use of longer trains at shorter intervals. A total of 2,4 billion euros will be made available for the project. The announcement was made earlier this week by ÖBB, the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology and the City of Vienna itself.
Source: Railtech.com
20 April 2022. Turkey. Turkey and Bulgaria to reinstate Istanbul-Sofia Express sleeper train
The Istanbul-Sofia Express will resume services on Monday, April 25, the Turkish ministry of Transport and Infrastructure announced on Wednesday. The sleeper train was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of services follows negotiations between Turkish State Railways (TCDD) and its Bulgarian counterpart BDZ. The Istanbul-Sofia Express will depart from Istanbul’s Halkalı station at 21.40 local time. It will arrive in Sofia the next morning at 09.35. Later that day, at 18.30 in the evening, the sleeper train will embark on its return journey to Istanbul.
Source: Railtech.com
20 April 2022. Canada. Electric locos and ERTMS confirmed in Toronto’s GO Expansion programme
Infrastructure Ontario and the ONxpress Transportation Partners consortium have signed the On-Corridor Works agreement, covering the largest and most complex elements of the GO Expansion programme to replace infrequent diesel-powered commuter services in the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area with an all-day two-way network of frequent electric trains comparable to cities such as London, Tokyo, Paris and Sydney. The signing on April 19 starts a two-year project development phase, with the final scope, costs and timescales to be confirmed in 2024.
Source: Railway Gazette International
20 April 2022. United Kingdom. Crewe businessman pens poem backing HS2
A business owner who was born and bred in Crewe has written a poem charting the significance of the town’s railway heritage and how he believes HS2’s arrival will spearhead future growth. Gareth Williams, owner of Construction Linx at Crewe Hall Enterprise Park, contacted HS2 at the height of the pandemic and explained how he’d been inspired to start writing poetry about his love for the town and its proud connection to the railway.
