Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting Asia Pacific Rail which will take place next week from 28th to 29th May 2025 at BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand.
With a rich tapestry of free-to-attend conference sessions, a huge exhibition, and networking opportunities, Asia Pacific Rail is your passport to the latest advancements, strategies, and technologies revolutionising the rail industry. From high-speed rail developments to sustainable mobility solutions, we cover the full spectrum of topics driving progress in rail transportation.
Both David Hyland (Director) and Chris Hyland (Country Representative, Thailand) will be in attendance at this event.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/asia-pacific-rail/index.stm
Our Job of the Week this week is in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates where we are looking for a Project Director, Civil Works Mainline and Stations.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
19 May 2025. Malaysia. Hitachi backs Malaysian rail talent development
The Public transport operator Prasarana and Hitachi Rail have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the operation and maintenance of SelTrac metro signalling, develop local skills, and support innovation for the domestic and international rail markets in line with the national TVET Policy 2030, which aims to equip Malaysia’s workforce with industry-relevant skills. Key initiatives are to include the joint development of digital tools for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency, as well as R&D in sustainable railway engineering.
Source: Railway Gazette International
19 May 2025. Saudi Arabia. Riyadh tenders’ metro Line 7 as ridership grows
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has called tenders for the design and construction of a seventh metro line in the capital, with bids expected by June 15. The 65 km first phase of Line 7 would link King Khalid International Airport in the north to Qiddiya Entertainment City in the west, serving the Diriyah Gate and the new Murabba district. It would have 19 stations, including interchanges to the existing network inaugurated at the end of last year.
Source: Metro Report International
16 May 2025. Ireland. Siemens wins long-term Irish Rail infrastructure and maintenance framework
Siemens will continue its rich history in Ireland with the award of a long-term rail infrastructure and maintenance framework for Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), replacing legacy systems dating back to the 1980s. The company will install the Siemens Trackguard Westlock computer-based interlocking (CBI) system within the National Train Control Centre in Dublin. Serving as the brain of the railway network, Westlock manages train movements more efficiently and reliably by processing information about train locations and controlling signals and points to ensure safe operations.
Source: Rail UK
16 May 2025. Canada. CN Railway commits $2.4bn for infrastructure and safety enhancements
Approximately $2.07bn of the total investment will go towards maintenance and strategic infrastructure in Canada and the US. Canadian National Railway (CN) has unveiled its capital expenditure programme for 2025, committing approximately C$3.4bn ($2.4bn) to enhance capacity and safety across its North American operations. This investment is intended to support sustainable growth within the network, with a significant portion allocated to infrastructure projects. Of the total investment, around C$2.9bn ($2.07bn) will be directed towards maintenance and strategic infrastructure.
Source: Railway Technology
15 May 2025. Taiwan. Hyundai Rotem secures $298m contract for Taichung subway project in Taiwan
Each trainset can hold up to 530 passengers and operates at a maximum speed of 80km/h. Hyundai Rotem has secured a contract valued at Won420bn ($300m) to provide automated trains for a subway project in Taichung, Taiwan. The advanced automated trains will run on the Taichung Blue Line, which is part of an expansion of the metro system in Taiwan’s second-largest city, home to around 2.8 million residents. The Blue Line is the second of four planned metro lines in Taichung.
Source: Railway Technology
Job of the Week
Project Director, Civil Works Mainline and Stations, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15088
Discipline: Civil
Position Type: Permanent
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Project Director for Civil Works Mainline and Stations to work in Abu Dhabi.
The Project Director for Civil Works Mainline and Stations will lead the civil engineering aspects of a high-speed rail project, ensuring seamless integration with other contracts and subsystems such as (but not limited to) rolling stock, AFC, signaling, telecommunications, and catenary.
The role demands extensive experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in high-speed rail civil, with strong interface and integration with railway subsystems, with a preference for experience in the GCC region and the UAE. The candidate must ensure compliance with international railway standards (including but not limited to EN50126, EN50121, EN50122) with extension to all standards and regulations related to tunneling, with the primary mission to deliver the project on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
This senior leadership role requires a dynamic professional capable of managing complex interfaces between civil works and rail systems while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The Project Director for Civil Works Mainline and Stations will oversee all phases of the project lifecycle, ensuring technical excellence, financial control, schedule delivery, and adherence to safety and environmental standards.
The Project Director for Civil Works Mainline and Stations will need to act as the Client representative with the vision to deliver its scope for an efficient operation of the railways once it is successfully tested and commissioned, securing the necessary certificates issued by the UAE regulator.
The Project Director for Civil Works Mainline and Stations will be responsible for delivering the civil works for mainline tracks and stations, ensuring proper coordination with all related systems and stakeholders. Key areas of focus include design review management, construction supervision, stakeholder management, risk mitigation, budget oversight, commercial oversight and compliance with international standards.
Job Requirements:
Qualifications
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure projects; at least 5 years in high-speed rail projects.
- Proven track record in managing design and construction supervision in GCC countries; UAE experience is highly desirable.
Specialized Knowledge
- Deep understanding of international railway standards (EN50126 for reliability/availability/safety; EN50121 for electromagnetic compatibility; EN50122 for earthing/bonding).
- Strong knowledge of civil engineering principles applied to rail infrastructure design and construction.
Preferred Experience
- Experience working on high-profile infrastructure projects in the UAE or wider GCC region.
- Familiarity with local regulations regarding construction practices in the UAE.
- Experience in high-speed projects in a similar position.
Work Environment
The role is based onsite in the UAE but may require travel across multiple project locations. The Project Director for Civil Works Mainline and Stations will work in a fast-paced environment requiring adaptability to evolving project requirements. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
