Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting Asia Pacific Rail, which will take place from 6th to 7th May 2026 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 revolutionizing the rail industry. From high-speed rail developments to sustainable mobility solutions, we cover the full spectrum of topics driving progress in rail transportation.
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 Malaysia, where we are looking for a Senior Diesel Locomotive Design Engineer.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
Alstom is celebrating after it successfully delivered Stage 2 of the Cambridge Resignalling, Relock and Recontrol (C3R) project. This milestone marks a major step forward in modernising the region’s railway infrastructure, enhancing safety, reliability, and capacity for passengers and operators. Over the festive period, Alstom teams worked around the clock to deliver this complex and critical commissioning on time and as planned for Network Rail.
Source: Rail UK
The Ontario government has confirmed the arrival of the first of three new Northlander trainsets as part of plans to restore passenger rail services between Timmins and Toronto later this year. The Northlander service is set to cover 740 kilometres with 16 stops, including a connection to Cochrane. Full passenger service is expected to begin in 2026. The newly delivered trainset is undergoing testing and commissioning in Toronto.
Source: Railway News
Siemens Mobility’s Vectron Dual Mode locomotive has received full authorisation for to operate cross-border services between Germany and Austria. The first two locomotives with dual authorisation for both countries have now been handed over to Austrian rail operator Stern & Hafferl Verkehr. Manufactured at Siemens Mobility’s plant in Munich-Allach; the locomotives are equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) using the modular Siemens On-board Unit Trainguard Basic, including ETCS Baseline 3.6.
Source: Railway News
12 January 2026. United States. Three shortlisted for Boston commuter train operating contact
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has shortlisted three teams to bid for the next contract to operate Boston commuter train services and support its ambition to transform the legacy system to provide ‘modernised, high frequency’ services for the region. The three selected groups are: Keolis-Alstom JV; Mass Regional Rail, a consortium of Alternate Concepts, TransitAmerica Services and RATP Développement; a consortium of Transdev North America and Transport UK Holdings.
Source: Railway Gazette
12 January 2026. Philippines. The Philippines awards the Manila rail masterplan contract
The Greater Capital Region Railways project will connect metro and commuter lines now under construction. The Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) has selected a joint venture comprising Dohwa Engineering of Korea and Nippon Koei of Japan as the preferred bidder for an US$11.98 m contract to conduct studies for Greater Capital Region Railways, a project to connect metro and commuter lines under construction or operational in Manila.
Source: International Railway Journal
10 January 2026. Vietnam. Hyundai Rotem to support development of Vietnamese rolling stock industry
Multi-sector industrial holding company THACO has signed an agreement for South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem to support the local production of high speed and urban electric trains in Vietnam and plans to invest in a rolling stock manufacturing facility, test track and a repair centre at its Mechanical Engineering & Supporting Industry Park in Ho Chi Minh City. THACO said Vietnam is pursuing an aggressive strategy to develop the country’s rail network and supply industry.
Source: Railway Gazette
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore has awarded the civil contract for the design and construction of the NS3A station and viaduct on the North-South Line (NSL) to Obayashi Corporation. The contract is valued at approximately 281 million SGD (219 million USD). Construction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with passenger service on the route expected to start in 2034.
Source: Railway News
Job of the Week
Senior Diesel Locomotive Design Engineer, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Job ID#: 15018
Discipline: Rolling Stock
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client in Malaysia was awarded a contract in 2024 to refurbish the Malaysian Railway's fleet of 44 locomotives and 246 wagons, leasing them back to the Malaysian Railways over a period of 25 years. As part of this agreement, they will also be responsible for the scheduled maintenance of the fleet of leased locomotives and replacement wagons.
They are now looking for an experienced Rolling Stock Maintenance Engineer to work with their team on their contract for Locomotive Manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). This role is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
You will be working on the maintenance and repair of the diesel electric locomotives being refurbished and put back into service for the Malaysian Railways and to ensure quality and to achieve project success.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in diesel-electric locomotive maintenance
- Proficiency in CAD software and engineering tools.
- Strong knowledge of locomotive systems and industry standards.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Proven project management experience.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
