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 the Philippines, where we are looking for a Rail Systems Manager.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
3 February 2026.China. First phase of Beijing Tongzhou underground rail complex opens
The first stage of the entirelly underground Beijing Tongzhou main line station opened in the east of the capital city on December 30, creating a new interchange hub. It opened along with a 7 km approach line from the east that links the underground platforms to the existing Beijing – Tangshan high speed line. This route opened in 2022 and avoids Tongzhou on the surface. Tongzhou functions as a terminus for now, used by inter-city services to and from the east, but its design provides for future through-running.
Source: Railway Gazette International
3 February 2026. India. Indian Railways Plans Record Investment in High-Speed Rail
Indian Railways will receive a record capital expenditure of 2,93,030 crore INR (35.3 billion USD) in the Union Budget 2026–27, focusing on high-speed rail, freight efficiency, and passenger safety. This investment will establish seven new high-speed rail corridors spanning nearly 4,000 kilometres and connecting major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Varanasi, and Siliguri. The corridors, expected to attract around 16 lakh crore INR in investment (192.8 billion USD), aim to reduce inter-city travel times and support regional economic growth.
Source:Railway News
2 February 2026. Australia. V-set trains complete final journey after 55 years
Sydney’s iconic V-set trains have completed their final passenger service, marking the end of more than five decades of operation on key intercity routes. First introduced in 1970, the stainless steel V-set fleet served millions of passengers travelling between Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Blue Mountains. Over its lifetime, the fleet travelled a distance equivalent to almost 300 trips to the moon. Known for their stainless-steel exterior and distinctive ‘bush plum’ interior seating, the final train was repainted in the classic ‘Blue Goose’ blue and grey.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
2 February 2026. United Kingdom. GB Railfreight signs 10-Year wagon maintenance deal with Wabtec
GB Railfreight (GBRf) has signed a new 10-year agreement with rail technology firm Wabtec, which has extensive expertise in rolling stock maintenance and component services. The partnership will see maintenance of GBRf’s intermodal wagons carried out at the GBRf Peterborough Maintenance Hub. In a first for the UK rail freight sector, Wabtec will introduce its cutting edge KinetiX system, a laser guided, high-speed imaging technology capable of capturing 20,000 images per second. This innovation will enable pit stop style inspections and servicing across GBRf’s fleet of 585 FEA intermodal platform wagons.
Source: Rail UK
2 February 2026. Saudi Arabia. Contractors submit Riyadh Metro Line 7 bids
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) received bids from contractors on 31 January for a contract to design and build Riyadh Metro’s Line 7. The project involves constructing a metro line linking the Qiddiya entertainment city development, King Abdullah International Gardens, King Salman Park, Misk City and Diriyah Gate. The total length of the line will be about 65 kilometres (km), of which 47km will be underground and 19km will be elevated. The line will have 19 stations, 14 of which will be built underground and five above grounds.
Source: MEED
2 February 2026. Taiwan. SYSTRA Secures Contract for Taiwan’s High-Speed Rail Upgrade
SYSTRA has been awarded a contract for the modernisation of Taiwan’s high-speed rail fleet, through a collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). Under the agreement, SYSTRA will carry out the independent safety assessment (ISA) of upgraded on-board automatic train control (ATC) systems installed on high-speed trainsets. The work forms part of a wider programme to renew key systems on Taiwan’s high-speed railway, which has been operating since 2007.
Source: Railway News
Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the acceleration of the North–South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) following the completion of two major construction milestones for the flagship infrastructure project. The project recently achieved the installation of the first main support beam, or girder, for the Clark Segment under Contract Package N-04. Officials held the first rail welding ceremony at the Mabalacat Depot for Contract Package NS-01, signaling that contractors are prepared to install permanent rails across the site.
Source: Manila Standard
SYSTRA in Joint Venture with DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) for the consultancy Services contract regarding the works of Signalling and Telecommunication System, SCADA system, and Ticketing System of Mumbai- Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project is an under-construction High-Speed Rail Corridor. This corridor spans 508 km, connecting Mumbai with Ahmedabad through 12 Stations.
Source: Metro Rail News
Taiwan Minister Michael Lee rode the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) during rush hour in Metro Manila, after attending a private screening of the film Hope for the Dawn to Come. Based on a post found on the "Taiwan in the Philippines" Facebook page, the official said he enjoyed experiencing the daily commute of the average Filipino commuter. From the Araneta–Cubao Station in Quezon City, he personally experienced the queues, tapping the Beep card, and the actual flow of passengers at the station.
Source: Balita
30 January 2026. Vietnam. Vietnam selects Spanish firm to consult on North-South high-speed rail
The Ministry of Construction has signed a contract with Spanish consultancy Ineco to provide a feasibility study on the North–South high-speed railway project. Spain’s largest consulting firm will be responsible for making cost estimates and providing criteria to help the ministry select contractors for the project, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy said Friday. Ineco will also consult on technology and technical standards. Once the feasibility study report is completed, the ministry will determine the total investment and investment model.
Source: VN Express International
30 January 2026. France.Pandrol Announces SNCF Réseau Approval for its Under Sleeper Pads
Pandrol, a leading manufacturer of railway infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce that its USP (Under-Sleeper Pads) have been approved by SNCF Réseau, the French railway infrastructure manager and subsidiary of the public group SNCF. This success demonstrates that Pandrol’s USPs meet the strict operating requirements for the French rail network. This product range underwent a thorough approval process, including track testing over a period of 18 months. The test track was set up in collaboration with SNCF Réseau teams to test the performance of Pandrol’s USPs under real operating conditions.
Source: Railway News
29 January 2026. Japanese high-speed train converted to carry freight
Series E3 high speed trainset which has been converted to carry freight will enter service on East Japan Railway’s 500 km Tōhoku route between Morioka and Tokyo on March 23. The launch had originally been planned for autumn 2025 but was delayed due to a problem with the Series E8 trainsets which are replacing the E3s in passenger service. Train conversion-A total of 41 Series E3 trainsets were manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Tokyu Car Corp from 1995 for use on the Akita, Tōhoku and Yamagata high speed lines.
Source: Railway Gazette International
Job of the Week
Rail Systems Manager, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15329
Discipline: Signalling
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Rail Systems Manager to support their activities in Manila, Philippines.
Key Responsibilities
Installation & Construction Oversight
- Lead and monitor the construction and installation of all rail systems and rolling stock, ensuring compliance with design specifications, quality standards, and project milestones.
- Coordinate with Civil, MEP, Track, Signalling, Telecoms, PSS & OCS teams to resolve site-related and interface issues.
- Conduct site inspections (local and overseas) to verify installation quality, workmanship, and equipment readiness.
Testing & Commissioning (T&C) Leadership
- Work alongside the Testing & Commissioning Manager to plan, manage, and oversee static and dynamic testing activities.
- Witness Contractor-led FAT, SAT, and on-site commissioning tests, ensuring results are aligned with technical specifications and safety standards.
- Support the development of test plans, acceptance criteria, and certification documentation in line with international best practice.
Systems Integration & Assurance
- Collaborate with the Systems Integration Manager to validate system interfaces and ensure cross-disciplinary integration across Rolling Stock, Power, Signalling, Telecoms, and Depot systems.
- Coordinate with the Systems Assurance Manager to ensure compliance with RAMS, safety assurance, and certification requirements (EN50126/28/29, NFPA 130).
- Ensure that assurance evidence from testing and commissioning is traceable to design and operational requirements.
Operational Readiness & Handover
- Support trial running, shadow operations, and demo operations (e.g., May 2028) subject to project continuity and contract extension, in close coordination with DOTr and Contractors.
- Ensure that all systems, subsystems, and interfaces are validated for safe, reliable, and maintainable operation.
- Contribute to training and knowledge transfer to the operations and maintenance teams to secure a smooth transition into service.
- Provide technical input for final handover documentation, including O&M Manuals, As-built records, and Assurance evidence.
Leadership & Coordination
- Act as the focal point for all systems-related installation, T&C, and readiness activities, coordinating across DOTr, Contractors, and Consultants.
- Prepare technical reports, recommendations, and progress updates for DOTr and senior management.
- Mentor and develop junior Engineers, ensuring knowledge transfer and capacity building within the project team.
Job Requirements:
This role is urgently required, and candidates must have demonstrable experience with CBTC systems.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
