Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting HSR Asia 2026 which will take place from 8-10 June 2026 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
HSR Asia 2026 is the premier platform uniting government leaders, policy makers, rail authorities, financiers, engineers and technology innovators in Vietnam from 8-10th June 2026 to accelerate the next generation of high-speed rail across the region. Under the theme “Advancing High-Speed Rail Across Asia Pacific - Connectivity, Corridors & Delivery, the 2 day conference will explore how transformative high speed rail projects are reshaping regional mobility, fuelling sustainable economic growth and advancing technological frontiers.
Taking place in in Hanoi for the first time, HSR Asia 26 is anchored by Vietnam’s transformative North–South HSR programme – the conference will explore cross-border ASEAN corridors, regional corridor strategy, project delivery models, financing frameworks and bankability, digital rail innovation, delivery and engineering, transit-oriented development and sustainable infrastructure. HSR Asia 26 serves as the region’s strategic platform for shaping bankable, connected and future-ready rail networks across Asia Pacific and offers a unique platform to showcase innovations, build partnerships and influence the future of high-speed rail in Asia Pacific.
For more information, visit https://stratcomsevents.com/hsrasia26/
Our Job of the Week this week is in Melbourne, Australia where we are looking for Traction Power / Power Supply Engineers.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
17 March 2026. Australia. Western Sydney North-South rail link listed as a priority
A proposed north-south rail connection linking key growth areas across Western Sydney has been included on Infrastructure Australia’s 2026 Infrastructure Priority List. The proposed line would connect St Mary's to Tallawong, with rail links from Bradfield to Leppington and Macarthur, forming a major transport spine across the region. Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List provides independent, evidence-based advice to the Federal Government on nationally significant infrastructure proposals for potential investment over the next decade.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
17 March 2026. France. Alstom awarded Paris metro Line 8 CBTC contracts
Alstom is to supply it’s I-CBTC onboard communication-based train control equipment for Paris metro Line 8. The contract awarded by operator RATP on behalf of transport authority Ile-de-France Mobilités is part of the Octys 2030 automation programme which aims to improve performance and reliability, reduce headways and support the commissioning of the MF19 rolling stock, which will be deployed on Line 8 by 2029.
Source: Railway Gazette
16 March 2026. Singapore. ST Engineering to deploy integrated ITS for Singapore
ST Engineering’s Urban Solutions business will deploy an integrated suite of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) for Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) to support the development of a more responsive and future-ready road transport network. The deployment includes the new iTransport platform, a traffic monitoring camera system (TMCS) and an integrated traffic and plant management system (ITPMS).
Source: SouthEast Asia Infrastructure
16 March 2026. Japan. Sagami Railway unveils sea-creature-inspired Series 13000 EMU
Sotetsu Holdings’ Yokohama commuter train operator Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) has unveiled its Series 13000 electric multiple units, which have front ends inspired by sea creatures moving powerfully forward through water. The 1 067 mm gauge Series 13000 EMU from manufacturer J-TREC’s Sustina family has been developed with a view to replacing ageing Series 8000 and 9000 EMUs and supporting future driver-only operation.
Source: Railway Gazette
New validator expands Hitachi Rail’s digital ticketing portfolio, supporting contactless travel and multimodal transport networks while improving efficiency and sustainability. Hitachi Rail launches BV700 smart ticket validator to enhance passenger journeys. New validator expands Hitachi Rail’s digital ticketing portfolio, supporting contactless travel and multimodal transport networks while improving efficiency and sustainability. The BV700 builds on the success of the BV600 validator, which has been deployed in 10 countries.
Source: Global Railway Review
16 March 2026. United Kingdom. KeolisAmey to Operate and Maintain Dublin’s Luas Light Rail System
Keolis and Amey have officially been awarded the contract to both operate and maintain Dublin’s Luas light rail system. The move will see the companies partner with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) for seven years once the contract commences on 1 September 2026, with an option remaining to extend up to a further six. Thus far, planned improvements are set to include enhanced services.
Source: Railway News
16 March 2026. Saudi Arabia. Riyadh Metro Records 200 million Passenger Journeys
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced that the Riyadh Metro has recorded a total of 200 million passenger journeys since operations began. This figure was reached only months after the network passed the 100-million passenger mark, indicating the continued growth in ridership across the metro’s six lines. The RCRC said the increase reflects steady passenger demand and the strong operational performance of the network.
Source: Railway News
13 March 2026. Portugal. Alstom to supply 153 trains in Portugal’s largest rail fleet order
€1.03 billion contract will deliver new commuter and regional trains for Portugal while creating a new manufacturing facility and hundreds of jobs. Alstom has secured a €1.03 billion contract with Comboios de Portugal to supply 153 Adessia Stream trains as part of the largest train acquisition in Portugal’s history. This project supports CP’s vision to deliver more reliable and accessible rail services for passengers while preparing the network for future demand.”
Source: Global Railway Review
Job of the Week
Traction Power / Power Supply Engineers, Melbourne, Australia
Job ID#: 15372
Discipline: Electrical
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is an engineering consultancy group and they are seeking Traction Power / Power Supply Engineers to work in Melbourne, Australia on the Suburban Rail Loop Project.
The role involves completing inspections and documentation of traction distribution projects in a timely and efficient manner in accordance with safety and quality principles.
Accountabilities;
- Undertake investigations into aspects of the traction distribution system, as directed, ensuring compliance with safety and quality principles.
- Provide advice on all aspects of traction distribution systems to internal and external clients.
- Carry out audits for construction and maintenance of traction distribution equipment.
- Attend and complete testing and commissioning of traction distribution projects.
- Be proactive in improving traction construction processes and other procedures used in Traction Power.
Job Requirements
- High level of knowledge of traction distribution design and standards, quality processes and document control.
- High level of knowledge of construction and maintenance activities for traction distribution and traction power systems
- High level of conceptual, analytical and innovative problem solving skills.
- High level of interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and team leadership.
- High level of skills in planning, programming managing and reporting of work projects.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
