Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting the 4th Annual Rail Modernization Summit which will take place on 12th June 2025 in New Delhi, India.
This summit serves as an ideal platform for industry experts, government officials, policymakers, and innovators to come together and discuss the transformation of India's railways into a future-ready, efficient, and sustainable transportation system.
With a focus on integrating advanced technologies, upgrading infrastructure, and improving passenger experience, the summit will highlight strategies for modernizing key aspects of the railway system, from high-speed rail corridors and smart stations to AI-driven operations and green initiatives. It will also explore opportunities for public-private partnerships, investments in digital rail technology, and the deployment of renewable energy solutions across the railway network.
For more information and to register to attend, please visit: https://rail.traiconevents.com/#
We have 2x exciting Jobs of the Week this week. In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates we are looking for a Project Control Director and in Liberia, we are looking for a Car Dumper Specialist.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
26 May 2025. Australia. ComfortDelGro Bids for Melbourne’s Rail Line in Global Push
ComfortDelGro plans to bid for Melbourne’s rail line in 2026, joining JR East and UGL in a new consortium aiming to win the contract as MTR’s current deal nears its end. The Melbourne One Rail Consortium blends Singaporean and Japanese rail expertise with UGL’s strong local operations. Japanese investment giant Marubeni backs the bid. Melbourne’s rail line spans 402 kilometers, covers 17 lines and 222 stations, and generates $1.54 billion annually.
Source: Railway Supply
25 May 2025. China. Chongqing-Xiamen High-Speed Rail Enters Trial Phase from Chongqingdong
Trial operations have commenced on the Chongqingdong to Qianjiang section of the Chongqing-Xiamen High-Speed Railway, following the departure of test train No. 55901 from Chongqingdong Railway Station. This marks transition from testing and commissioning to operational trials for the newly constructed section. The Chongqing segment is part of the Chongqing-Xiamen corridor being developed under China’s national “Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal” railway strategy. The route begins at Chongqing Railway Station and passes through a number of districts.
Source: Railway News
24 May 2025. United Arab Emirates. Etihad Rail to Launch Passenger Service Across the UAE by 2026
Etihad Rail is poised to transform travel across the United Arab Emirates by launching a nationwide passenger rail service in 2026, connecting all seven emirates and reshaping how residents and visitors move between cities. First Etihad Rail Passenger Stations Announced. The Etihad Rail project is already underway, with the first passenger station under construction in Sakamkam, Fujairah. Positioned at the center of the city, this station will serve as a major hub for travelers heading east.
Source: Railway Supply
24 May 2025. New Zealand. New Zealand Invests $600 Million in National Rail Network
New Zealand has committed $600 million to upgrade its nationwide rail system, enhancing both freight routes and metro networks in Auckland and Wellington for improved efficiency and reliability. The government allocated $461 million for freight rail infrastructure renewal and $143.6 million to modernize metro lines. Officials say the plan will improve transport services and promote long-term economic growth. New Zealand Rail Investment to Boost Economic Growth.
Source: Railway Supply
The contract includes the design and construction of the "Linda" terminal by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Merko Ehitus Eesti, a subsidiary of the Merko Ehitus group, has entered into a construction agreement with OU Rail Baltic Estonia for the development of the Rail Baltica Ulemiste international passenger terminal in Tallinn. The total value of the contract is estimated at €85m ($96m) with construction set to commence in November 2025 and completion expected by October 2028. Funding for the construction contract is provided by the European Union Cohesion Fund (CF) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
Source: Railway Technology
23 May 2025. Canada. CN announces $1.51bn investment across Canada
This funding will improve rail infrastructure through track maintenance and initiatives to increase capacity and ensure safe goods transport. CN has revealed plans to allocate approximately C$2.1bn ($1.51bn) across various provinces in Canada. This move aims to enhance rail infrastructure by focusing on track maintenance and strategic initiatives designed to bolster capacity, facilitate sustainable growth, and ensure the safe transportation of goods. The funding is part of CN’s 2025 capital expenditure plan, which has allocated around C$3.4bn ($2.4bn) to improve capacity and safety in its North American operations.
Source: Railway Technology
22 May 2025. Germany. DB Awards Final Construction Contracts for Hamburg–Berlin Rail Line Renovation
Deutsche Bahn (DB) has awarded the construction contracts for the final phase of the comprehensive renovation of the Hamburg–Berlin rail corridor. This last segment between Hamburg-Rothenburgsort and Büchen will be upgraded by a consortium of firms following a Europe-wide procurement process. The companies contracted for the project include Rhomberg Sersa Rail Holding GmbH, Eurovia GmbH, Axians GA Netztechnik GmbH, Knapp Engineering GmbH, CRS grüntechnik GmbH, SPL Powerlines Germany GmbH, SPITZKE SE, and a joint venture of Schweerbau GmbH & Co.
Source: Railway News
Job of the Week
Project Control Director, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15091
Discipline: Programming / Scheduling
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Project Control Director to work in Abu Dhabi.
The Project Control Director will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of project control functions for a high-speed rail project in the UAE. This role involves managing complex technical systems, ensuring compliance with international and UAE-specific standards, and delivering the project within budget and schedule while maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.
This position focuses on overseeing all aspects of project controls for a high-speed rail project, including tunneling, system integration (rolling stock, signaling, telecommunications, power supply, catenary systems), and civil works (depot, stations, infrastructure). The role requires expertise in EN 50126 standards, safety case development, and UAE railway regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement project control frameworks for scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
- Ensure seamless integration of technical systems with civil works.
- Strong background in planning, project, and cost control (not Claims)
- Monitor progress against key performance indicators (KPIs) and report to senior stakeholders.
Job Requirements:
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in large-scale rail projects, including high-speed rail systems.
Preferred Experience
- Proven track record in managing complex projects.
- Experience in tunneling projects within high-speed rail contexts.
- Familiarity with UAE railway regulations and permitting processes.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Proficiency in project control tools like Primavera P6 or equivalent software.
- Strong leadership skills for managing multidisciplinary teams.
- Expertise in EN 50126 standards.
Specialized Knowledge
- Technical knowledge of high-speed rail systems integration
- Knowledge of 5D BIM
Work Environment
The role involves working in a dynamic environment that includes collaboration with local authorities, international contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Car Dumper Specialist, Buchanan, Liberia
Job ID#: 15104
Discipline: Operations
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Car Dumper Specialist to assist with activities in Liberia as part of a massive mining expansion project. The project, with a capacity of 15 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate, is making steady progress and is expected to be commissioned in Q4 2024. The project consists of a state-of-the-art concentrator plant along with augmentation of the existing rail and port infrastructure to support the production and shipping of concentrated ore. The project will also have a positive impact on the local economy, with significant infrastructure upgrades, including road development, being taken up as part of the project.
The incumbent will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of car dumper systems at the Port/Rail. As a Car Dumper Specialist, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the car dumper system, a critical component of our railcar unloading operations. This position plays a key role in supporting and ensuring the efficient and continuous unloading of railcars, supporting shipping schedules, and meeting production targets.
The Key Responsibilities
* Responsible for operating and monitoring car dumper systems to unload bulk materials from railcars safely and efficiently
* Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on car dumper equipment
* Troubleshoot hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical system issues to minimize downtime
* Coordinate with rail and yard crews to ensure proper alignment and securing of railcars
* Use control systems and panels to operate the car dumper, including hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical components.
* Maintain accurate records of operational activities, maintenance, and safety checks
* Adhere to all safety regulations, company policies, and environmental guidelines
* Communicate effectively with control room operators, maintenance teams, and supervisors
Job Requirements:
The Requirements
* High school Diploma or GED required; technical or trade certification is a plus.
* Minimum 3 years of experience in industrial or port operations, preferably involving heavy equipment or car dumper systems.
* Completion of a technical training program or apprenticeship in heavy equipment operation or maintenance.
* Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems
* Proven experience operating heavy machinery in a safe and efficient manner
* Ability to read schematics, follow standard operating procedures, and use diagnostic tools
* Experience working in remote areas of Africa.
The Rewards
* The position offers a 2-year contract with a competitive remuneration package on single status with a 7-3 FIFO roster.
* Full accommodation is provided on-site, including secure facilities and meals.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
