Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting Global Rail 2025 which will take place from the 30th September to the 2nd October 2025 at the ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
With the demand for moving passengers and goods growing at an unprecedented rate, the emergence of a new global paradigm, characterised by green transitions, shorter innovation cycles, changing consumer preferences, and rapid growth of emerging economies, has propelled rail's clear advantages over other transport modes, into the spotlight.
Acting as a backbone for the integration of air, sea, road and shared mobility systems, rail networks have the potential to revolutionise global transport networks, paving the way for the interconnected transport ecosystems of the future.
Global Rail 2025 unites transport and network operators, port authorities, financiers, freight and logistics providers, integrated transport systems, technologists, solution providers, transport planners and engineers, to accelerate the transition towards smart, integrated, and sustainable transport ecosystems.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://www.grtiec.com/visit/plan-your-visit?actioncode=RailPersonnel&utm_source=media-partner&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=
We have 3x exciting Jobs of the Week this week. In India, we are looking for a Chief Maintenance Officer and our client is bidding for work on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai HSR project and they are looking for suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the roles of Construction Director and Project Controls Director.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
7 July 2025. United States. Wabtec to acquire Frauscher Sensor Technology Group
Wabtec Corporation has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Frauscher Sensor Technology Group GmbH (Frauscher), a global market leader in train detection, wayside object control solutions, and axle counting systems. The acquisition positions Wabtec for accelerated, profitable growth and further strengthens the Company’s Digital Intelligence business by adding highly attractive and complementary railway signalling technologies. “This strategic acquisition enhances Wabtec’s current Digital Intelligence portfolio, our opportunities in a high-potential market, and aligns with our Company’s long-term growth strategy,”.
Source: Rail UK
7 July 2025.Netherlands. Arriva Group secures 15-year Netherlands contract renewal
Arriva Group has secured a major contract win in the Netherlands, strengthening its presence in one of Europe’s most liberalised and competitive public transport markets. The Province of Overijssel and the Province of Drenthe awarded Arriva a new 15-year contract to continue operating the Vechtdal regional rail lines from December 2028, valued at more than €650 million. This renewal reinforces Arriva’s strong and trusted relationship with local transport authorities and reflects its consistent delivery of high-quality, customer-focused rail services since first operating the Vechtdal concession in 2012.
Source: Rail UK
7 July 2025. Europe. New Cross-Border Rail Link to Connect Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen
A new direct train service connecting Prague, Berlin, and Copenhagen is set to launch on 1 May 2026. The initiative is a joint effort between Czech Railways (ČD), Deutsche Bahn (DB), and Danish State Railways (DSB), and will operate using ČD’s Comfort Jet trains. The service will allow passengers to travel between the three capitals without changing trains, with additional stops planned in key cities including Dresden and Hamburg. The connection will offer two daily return services. A seasonal night train, which currently operates between Hamburg and Copenhagen.
Source: Rail News
7 July 2025. Chile. VINCI Construction and Colas Rail secure €100m contract in Chile
The contract comprises a three-year construction period, set to begin next month. VINCI Construction, through its subsidiary ETF, and Colas Rail have been awarded a €100m ($117.7m) contract to construct the second stretch of the Alameda-Melipilla railway line in Chile, enhancing connectivity from Santiago to the south-west of the country. The project is on behalf of EFE, the public company managing Chile’s national rail network, and aims to improve transportation efficiency and capacity. The 21.5km extension of the Alameda-Melipilla line will feature three new tracks with overhead lines.
Source: Railway Technology
7 July 2025. China. Chongqing, Nanchang, Guangzhou and Tianshui expand their networks
The annual flurry of June metro extensions saw over 100 route-km of new infrastructure enter service in Chongqing, Nanchang, Guangzhou and Tianshui this year. On June 27, a 6·9 km branch of Chongqing metro Line 6 opened, linking Liujiaping on the existing route with the new main line station at Chongqing Dong, serving two intermediate stops. The first section of the Chongqing Dong – Xiamen high-speed line opened as far as Changsha on the same day.Chongqing Dong will in future also be served by local Line 24
Source: Railway Gazette International
4 July 2025. Taiwan. Hitachi to deliver signalling and SCADA solutions for Taipei-Keelung MRT line
The 22km line is part of New Taipei City’s infrastructure initiative. Hitachi Rail has been awarded a contract to deliver advanced signalling and SCADA solutions for the Taipei-Keelung metropolitan mass rapid transit (MRT) system in northern Taipei, Taiwan. The contract was awarded by Gamuda on behalf of the New Taipei City Government’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems (NTCG DORTS). Hitachi Rail will implement its SelTrac Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) and SCADA systems powered by ALVEA for the Xidong-Keelung MRT project, which is an addition to the Taipei-Keelung metropolitan system.
Source: Railway Technology
4 July 2025. United Kingdom. Transformation of the Wrexham to Liverpool line to begin
Work to transform the Wrexham to Liverpool line has been given the green light, with upgrades on the line at Padeswood confirmed as the first major step to realise more rail services between the two cities. Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, and Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, visited the site to see the planned upgrades. The UK Government committed to supporting the work at Padeswood as part of last month’s Comprehensive Spending Review. The overall UK Government investment in Welsh rail, worth at least £445 million.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
Job of the Week
Chief Maintenance Officer, New Delhi, India
Job ID#:15145
Discipline: Operations
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Maintenance Officer (CMO) to lead the comprehensive maintenance operations of a high-speed metro system in Delhi, India. This high-profile role requires exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a strong technical background to manage a growing workforce and ensure the seamless operation of one of India's most prominent and complex rail networks.
As CMO, you will have overall responsibility for all aspects of maintenance, including primary, corrective, and preventive strategies, to achieve the highest standards of system reliability, safety, and efficiency. Your technical expertise will be crucial in overseeing the implementation of advanced maintenance practices and technologies. Working in close collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer and the executive leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in aligning maintenance excellence with organizational objectives, ensuring stakeholder satisfaction, and driving innovation in asset management practices.
Reporting Structure: Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Responsibilities and Tasks in Detail
- Report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and collaborate closely with the Chief Operations Officer (COO) to steer the company's economic success.
- Take full responsibility for achieving key performance indicators (KPIs), including RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) targets, while ensuring all maintenance activities are executed safely and in compliance with the Safety Management System (SMS).
- Oversee the inspection, maintenance, repair, and planning of high-quality RRTS and MRTS infrastructure, including tracks, structures, signal systems, power supply, station facilities, communication systems, traction, and MEP systems (VAC, TVS, BMS, Fire detection and fire suppression), ensuring seamless operations and reliability.
- Safeguard customer and employee safety by upholding strict security standards while fostering seamless collaboration with external agencies, contractors, consultants, and third parties to deliver exceptional project outcomes.
- Lead strategic planning, budgeting, and execution of maintenance activities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and performance targets.
- Optimize resource use and allocation by managing personnel and assets within the maintenance function to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness.
- Drive continuous improvement in maintenance processes, prioritizing safety, quality, and cost-efficiency while fostering the adoption of best practices throughout the organization.
- Drive strategic initiatives and play a key role in the company's growth by spearheading efforts on additional corridors or railway projects, fostering innovation, and expanding our infrastructure impact.
This is not an expat position. Only Indian candidates are required.
Job Requirements:
The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in engineering or a related field, providing a solid foundation in technical expertise, strategic management, and leadership. With extensive, multi-regional experience in the railway industry, the candidate has demonstrated the ability to navigate the complexities and operational challenges of the passenger transportation sector.
A proven track record of success in senior leadership roles showcases the candidate's ability to drive organizational growth, optimize performance, and deliver tangible results. Their background reflects a unique blend of advanced education, international experience, and exceptional leadership skills, equipping them to lead maintenance operations and achieve both short- and long-term objectives in a dynamic, global railway business environment. Master's or bachelor's degree in engineering (Transport, Mechanics, Electronics, Electrical, or Civil Engineering).
- At least 20 years of professional experience in passenger rail-based systems, including 10 years in the maintenance of one or more subsystems (namely Signaling and train control, Telecom, Traction, MEP, and Track) and 5 years in a senior leadership role such as Chief Maintenance Officer, Head of Maintenance or equivalent.
- Proven experience in the installation, testing, and commissioning of rail system sub-systems, with a strong focus on operational maintenance, and preferably experience in setting up and developing a fast-growing passenger rail transportation system.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with extensive expertise in rail engineering and maintenance across multiple disciplines, complemented by a process-oriented management approach (e.g., LEAN methodology is highly desirable).
- Demonstrating a forward-looking approach, strong international leadership skills, and thriving in a company with a flat management structure.
- Excellent problem-solving, training, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively transfer knowledge to technicians.
- Advanced proficiency in English (both written and verbal), with Hindi being a plus, and willingness to relocate to New Delhi.
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
Project Controls Director, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15123
Discipline: Project Control
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is bidding for work on the Abu Dhabi -Dubai HSR Project and they are looking for suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the role of Project Controls Director.
Job Summary:
The Project Director - Controls is responsible for the leadership, implementation, and oversight of all project control functions for complex railway infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on high-speed rail systems (>250 km/h). This includes schedule management, cost control, risk management, change control, reporting, and systems integration support. The candidate must have proven experience in the successful delivery of at least one high-speed rail project in a similar leadership role and possess more than five years of dedicated HSR experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the full suite of project control functions across planning, cost, schedule, risk, and change management.
- Oversee integrated project schedules and ensure alignment between civil, systems, and rolling stock delivery.
- Manage budget control processes including forecasting, earned value management (EVM), and performance analysis.
- Establish and monitor KPIs to measure project health, progress, and productivity.
- Direct the development and implementation of project controls systems, tools, and dashboards.
- Coordinate with construction, engineering, procurement, and systems integration teams to maintain alignment on scope and interfaces.
- Support executive reporting, performance reviews, and client presentations with accurate, timely data.
- Lead risk identification and mitigation planning across all project phases.
- Implement robust change management protocols and ensure change impacts are properly assessed and communicated.
- Ensure project control practices are compliant with contractual, regulatory, and governance requirements.
Job Requirements:
A Director shall have a construction/engineering related university degree (preferably a Master's degree or have Chartered Engineer Status), with not less than 20 years' experience in the leadership and management of similar railway systems and construction works projects (preferably HSR), with demonstrable experience in railway system delivery (signaling, 25 kV AC power, track etc.), construction, and system integration. For Director-level positions, it is mandatory to have implementation and delivery experience on at least 1 HSR Project in a similar capacity/role, and total HSR experience (defined as above 250 km/h) shall exceed 5 years minimum.
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
Construction Director, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15122
Discipline: Civil
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is bidding for work on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai HSR, and they are looking for suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the role of Construction Director.
Job Summary:
The Construction Director will lead the execution and delivery of large-scale railway infrastructure projects with a focus on high-speed rail (HSR) systems operating above 250 km/h. This senior leadership role is responsible for the end-to-end construction management and systems integration of critical rail subsystems, including track, 25 kV AC power supply, signaling, telecoms, and associated civil works. The candidate must have demonstrable implementation and delivery experience on at least one HSR project in a similar leadership capacity, with over 5 years of total experience in HSR.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the construction and systems delivery for major rail projects, with focus on HSR (>250 km/h).
- Manage multidisciplinary rail systems including track, signaling, electrification (25 kV AC), and telecoms.
- Oversee construction execution plans, contractor performance, and system integration activities.
- Direct interface management between civil works and systems installation teams.
- Ensure all construction activities align with program schedule, quality, and safety requirements.
- Identify and mitigate delivery risks across systems and infrastructure components.
- Coordinate with design, procurement, and testing & commissioning teams to ensure seamless handovers.
- Ensure compliance with technical specifications, regulatory standards, and safety frameworks.
- Provide regular reporting to executive leadership on progress, risks, and mitigation actions.
- Champion a strong culture of HSE, quality assurance, and operational discipline on site.
Job Requirements:
A Director shall have a construction/engineering related university degree (preferably a Master's degree or have Chartered Engineer Status), with not less than 20 years' experience in the leadership and management of similar railway systems and construction works projects (preferably HSR), with demonstrable experience in railway system delivery (signaling, 25 kV AC power, track etc.), construction, and system integration. For Director-level positions, it is mandatory to have implementation and delivery experience on at least 1 HSR Project in a similar capacity/role, and total HSR experience (defined as above 250 km/h) shall exceed 5 years minimum.
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
