Dear Readers,
We are pleased to be supporting the upcoming RISSB Rail Safety Conference which will take place from 30th April to 1st May 2024 at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne, Australia.
Bringing together operators, manufacturers, contractors and government stakeholders, RISSB Rail Safety 2024 will delve into the latest advances in technology and innovation to share case studies and project updates from successful rail safety projects in Australasia and the world.
Save the date in your calendars now for our gathering in April 2024. Join us at the only rail safety conference in Australia, where you can leverage the collective insights of our esteemed industry experts.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://www.informa.com.au/event/conference/transport-logistics/rissb-rail-safety-conference/
We have 4x exciting Jobs of the Week this week. In Dubai, we are looking for a Chief Specialist Signalling Systems, Chief Specialist Rolling Stock and a Chief Specialist Rail Design. And in Mumbai, India, we are looking for a Project Director.
Best regards,
Rail Personnel
Rail News
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has released the shortlist of bidders to supply its new electric trains. This includes two teams: Alstom Transportation and Siemens Mobility. Following the Request for Qualifications released in 2023, this shortlist is a key step towards the release of the Request for Proposals and the procurement of the new electrified high-speed trainsets, which will operate at speeds of up to 220 mph. This progress comes on the heels of nearly 3.1 billion USD in federal funding for the high-speed project, including funding for the new electric trains.
Source: Railway-News
8 January 2024. Singapore. Thales to modernise Singapore metro depot signalling
Land Transport Authority has awarded Thales a contract to supply digital interlockings for the modernisation of Bishan and Ulu Pandan depots on the North-South and East-West metro lines. Requirements including undertaking the work without impacting 24x7 operations at the depots. The contract builds on work undertaken by Thales since 2012 to replace the NSEWL legacy fixed block technology with moving block communications-based train control.
Source: Metro Report International
8 January 2024. Spain. Spain has Europe’s most efficient high-speed rail network, says report
Spain has succeeded in developing the most extensive high-speed network in the EU, with the lowest average construction cost in the Eurozone. This is the conclusion of a report published on 6 November, commissioned by the Ministry of Transport from the engineering consultancy Ineco. According to the study published by INECO, Spain is one of the countries with the best value for money. Those that achieve higher quality index scores do so at the cost of a substantial increase in their cost per kilometre of high-speed lines.
Source: RailTech.com
5 January 2024. Italy. CAF wins €130m Rome tram contract
The €130m contract features the manufacturing of 40 trams with options to increase the number of units. panish locomotive manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has been awarded a €130m contract for the supply of Rome’s new tram fleet by ATAC S.p.A. The deal will cover the design and manufacturing of 40 tram units and includes tram maintenance provisions for a further five years. There is also the option of increasing the project’s unit count by another 81, bringing the total to 121.
Source: Railway Technology
5 January 2024. India. India to donate 20 locomotives to Sri Lanka
The donation is the latest investment by India into its neighbouring country’s railway network following a loan funding upgrade to signalling systems in 2023. The Indian Government will give 20 repurposed locomotives to Sri Lanka in a donation confirmed by the island nation’s national rail operator. The donation of engines that have been taken off India’s rail network in favour of electric alternatives was confirmed by Sri Lanka Railways’ General Manager H.M.K.W Bandara.
Source: Railway Technology
5 January 2024. Scotland. Scotland’s Railway completes £15 million festive engineering programme
Network Rail has completed a multi-million-pound programme of engineering upgrades across Scotland over the festive period, which will improve reliability and punctuality for passengers and freight customers. A key junction at Greenhill near Falkirk on the Edinburgh-Glasgow main line was modernised. Over nine days, engineers replaced the junction and over 1km of track. A new state-of-the-art signalling system was also installed to control trains in this area, the heart of Scotland’s Railway.
Source: Rail UK
4 January 2024. Saudi Arabia. Alstom to Deliver AlUla’s Catenary-Free Tramway
Alstom has signed a contract with the Royal Commission for AlUla to deliver its battery-powered tramway line, which will be the world’s longest catenary-free line. This contract is valued at over 500 million EUR and will include the supply of 20 Citadis B battery trams, which Alstom will maintain using its HealthHub system for a period of 10 years. Alstom will also design, install and test the catenary-free tramway and will deliver power supply, signalling, communication and depot equipment.
Source: Railway-News
Job of the Week
Chief Specialist Signalling Systems Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 14834
Discipline: Signalling
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Chief Specialist Signalling Systems to be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The role is responsible to manage all aspects of the design and development of related to subsystem discipline Signaling Systems, particularly based on Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) systems, at various phases of designing and implementation of the project, and to enforce the best practices, policies and standards and value engineering of Rail system.
Key Accountabilities:
* Pre and Post-contract responsibility in all aspects of the development and administration of the signaling system, including but not limited to planning, development, design review and monitoring the signaling system program and implementation plans.
* Ensure the proper preparation of all Signaling Systems related Project Definition Documents and perform Technical Studies for the Signaling Systems in accordance to the Project Definition Documents for new railway projects and meeting organization strategic goals and objectives.
* Assist in tender submissions evaluation and tender assessment reports to detail the assessment findings and rating.
* Carry out technical studies and industrial research on the technologies and applications in the field of Signalling Systems/Automatic Train Control.
* Monitor and review signalling system design, implementation, equipment installation, testing and commissioning.
* Follow up on all related snags and outstanding work during the defect liability period in coordination with the relevant departments (O&M) Operation & Maintenance and parties both internal and external.
* Manage and monitor related safety requirements particularly those related to signaling, both software and hardware.
* Manage and monitor signalling related integration with other disciplines (e.g., VOBC (Vehicle on Board Controller), platform screen doors, rolling stock).
* Ensure Rail signaling system in conformance with project requirement and local authority specifications and practice.
Job Requirements
* Master's Degree in Engineering or relevant discipline.
* 10 years of working experience
* Fully understand all aspects of signalling and system engineering
* Experience in ATC, CBTC, all systems including SCADA and who understands the interfaces and has experience
from Planning to Construction and train operations phased.
* Must have worked on metros
* Highly analytical thinking with demonstrated talent for identifying, scrutinizing, improving, and streamlining
complex work processes.
* Computer-literate performer with extensive software proficiency covering wide variety of applications.
* Exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.
* Resourceful team player who excels at building trusting relationships with customers and colleagues.
* Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple
concurrent projects.
* Innovative problem-solver who can generate workable solutions and resolve complaints.
* Goal-driven leader who maintains a productive climate and confidently motivates, mobilizes, and coaches
employees to meet high performance standards.
* Results-driven achiever with exemplary planning and organizational skills, along with a high degree of detail
orientation.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Chief Specialist Rolling Stock Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 14835
Discipline: Rolling Stock
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client has asked us to find an experienced Rolling Stock Engineer for the position of Chief Specialist Rolling Stock to be responsible for the management and follow up of Rolling Stock aspects in terms of planning, Design, implementation, Testing, validation, and verification. Follow up on the management and supervision of functions and activities of Rolling Stock to ensure safe and optimum overall system implementation, operation, and integrity.
Key Accountabilities:
* Provide technical support and advice to the management and participate in decision making in rolling stock and other relevant subsystems.
* Provide progress status / issues of Rolling Stock and prepare reports to the director and management as required.
* Monitor the Consultant & Contractor performance and ensure resources competency and adequacy as per the contract.
* Conduct value engineering throughout the project and advise direct manager on feasibility and implementation.
* Identify and Compile Lessons Learned highlighting causes, problems and develop recommendations and solutions for improvement.
* Ensure full compliance for the quality/specification of the requirements and work done and managing inspection/testing activities such as Factory Acceptance Test and Site Acceptance Test during the implementation stages of the project.
* Provide full support to the development, maintenance and implementation of the Rail Agency design standards, guidelines, and manuals as required and necessary.
* Participate in developing rail agency strategic objectives and initiatives.
Job Requirements
* Bachelor's or master's Degree mechanical/Electrical engineering
* Highly analytical thinking with demonstrated talent for identifying, scrutinizing, improving, and streamlining complex work processes.
* 10 years of working experience
* Computer-literate performer with extensive software proficiency covering wide variety of applications.
* Exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing.
* Resourceful team player who excels at building trusting relationships with customers and colleagues.
* Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects.
* Innovative problem-solver who can generate workable solutions and resolve complaints
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Chief Specialist Rail Design Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 14841
Discipline: Permanent Way
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client has asked us to find an experienced Track Engineer for the position of Chief Specialist Rail Design to be responsible for all aspects in the pre & post contract stages of the development and administration of the railway alignment, including but not limited to administrating the Railway Track system, facilitating change, implement plans and procedures at all levels to Railway Track functions.
The successful candidate will also led the design, establish strategies, policies & procedures, standards and technical instructions for the entire network to establish the optimum alignment ensuring reducing operations cost & efficiency of the alignment design profile.
Responsibilities include:
* Identify opportunities for improved management of track design, components and installation methods and lead changes to improve Rail Agency"s business.
* Manage and monitor during design and construction the limits for radius of horizontal circular curves to ensure operations speed & maintenance requirements are maintained.
* Ensure that vertical curves and profiles are selected based on the most suitable radius.
* Provide Assistance and advice with regard to the protection of railway viaducts.
* Develop sufficient pocket tracks and crossovers strategy are provided for each project.
* Review the submittals to ensure that turnouts are suitable to the operation speed, and to minimise the environmental impact, specially noise and vibration.
* Performs other responsibilities associated with the position as appropriate
* Ensure suitable structure gauge, structure envelop and clearances are designed properly for each project to ensure safety requirements are met.
* Lead Rail Agency's involvement with other railway administrations, European bodies, and professional bodies, TOCs, ROSCOs and similar organisations on track design matters.
Job Requirements
* Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from a recognized university is required. Equivalent Master or PhD degree is advantageous or equivalent years of relevant experience based on the requirements of the post.
* Minimum 8 years of relevant experience, of which at least 5 years should have been in the specialist alignment & track work design & or supervision, is required.
* Analytical thinking, problem solving, business innovation, and customer service orientation.
* Possess good leadership skills including the ability to lead & motivate his team, decision-making skills, ability to perform Multitasking, follow up and planning abilities, time management, and good computer skills.
* Good communication skills, fluent in report writing and group facilitation; presentation skills, and fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of Arabic language preferred.
* Experience of working in a cross-cultural environment is desirable.
* Experience gained through working with a contractor is desirable.
* Excellent knowledge and intensive experience with international Railway Track system and standards, functions, procedures, and knowledge of quality & safety standards and project management.
* Experience of both the basic technical and practical aspects of track work design and construction is essential.
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)
Project Director, Mumbai, India
Job ID#: 13765
Discipline: Civil
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client, who is in a consortium providing General Consulting (GC) services for Civil and Systems for Mumbai Line 10 (Gaimukh to Shivaji Chowk (Mira Road) and Line 12 (Kalyan to Talajoa), is looking for a Project Director to be responsible for overall management of the project.
He will lead the Stakeholder management and provide key directions to the team. He will be directly supported by Deputy Project Directors from each disciplines of Civil and Systems for co-ordination with Detail Design Consultant, Construction Contractors, D&B Contractors and MMRDA Personnel and will:
* Take decisions and give directions to facilitate completion of project without time and cost over runs without sacrificing quality and safety.
* Be responsible for administrative as well as technical control of GC team and its performance.
* Be responsible for proper implementation of provisions in the Terms of Reference and relevant manuals, rules and regulations as per contract and execution of work by contractor in accordance with specifications and time lines laid down in the contracts.
* Set up reporting system from Contractors and Senior GC Experts to his office and further to MMRDA. Submit progress reports to MMRDA.
Input for position - more than 48 man months full time
Job Requirements
* Must have degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent qualification
* Postgraduate qualification in Management, or similar, or Masters in Engineering degree
* Must have a minimum of 25 years of relevant cumulative experience related to construction projects; Developed country experience exceeding 5 years
* Must have at least 7 years in elevated or elevated and underground Metro Projects.
* Must have working experience of developed country exceeding 5 years
* Experience at working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential
* Strong team player
* Can conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through patience, analytical and problem-solving capabilities
* Strong interpersonal skills
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
