Dear Readers
We were very sad to hear that Lesley Hodsdon died at the end of March in Sydney after developing a brain tumour early this year.
Leslie worked as a senior executive in the international rail industry for 25 years in HR and Workforce Development. She started her rail career with the State Rail Authority of New South Wales in Sydney as a General Management Trainee in 1990 and moved on to Halcrow-Transmark as International Training Manager in 1993. In 1996 she set up Rail Training International as a Director and was appointed to the Rail Safety and Standards Board in 2002 as Senior Workforce Development adviser, retiring in 2011.
David Hyland had this to say about Lesley:
She had lived in London for many years and I had the pleasure of working with her in the UK when she ran Rail Training International. I know many of our readers knew her and will be as sad as I was to hear of her passing. She will be remembered for her quick wit and her ability to get on with everyone and get things done.
We have 5x exciting Jobs of the Week this week.
In India, we are looking for a Chief Expert, Radio System including FRMCS; Chief Expert, Integration, Testing and Commissioning, and Chief Expert, System Security and Cyber Security.
And in Singapore, we are looking for an Assistant Manager QAQC and a Senior QAQC Engineer.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
15 April 2026. China. New China–Europe route runs via Caspian corridor
The first China–Europe block train has departed from Wuhan, bound for Azerbaijan via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor. According to Azertag, the first direct freight service from Wuhan to Baku is carrying electronic equipment, household appliances and everyday consumer goods to European markets. After passing through the Khorgos border crossing in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the train will continue across the Caspian Sea before reaching Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku.
Source: RailMarket.com
The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has formally submitted a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the vital Bhakti Shakti-Chakan metro corridor to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The submission, made on February 26, 2026, signals a turning point in the region’s long-term urban mobility planning. The revised plan supersedes an earlier DPR that had estimated the project at ₹10,383.89 crore across a 42.262-km alignment with 31 stations.
Source: Metro Rail News
14 April 2026. Italy. TUA introduces four Alstom Coradia Stream trains in Abruzzo region
Società Unica Abruzzese di Trasporto (TUA) has introduced four Alstom Coradia electric multiple units into service, with the inauguration held in Lanciano on 10 April 2026. The new trains have been named after Sergio Marchionne, Elena Sangro, Filomena Delli Castelli, and Piero Di Pietro, a former TUA employee who died in the Rigopiano tragedy. TUA reported that 97% of scheduled services were operated in 2025 and confirmed the renewal of its Single Safety Certificate by ANSFISA in November 2025 for a further five years.
Source: Railmarket.com
14 April 2026. China. CRRC Delivers FXN3B Hybrid Shunting Locomotive in Beijing
CRRC Dalian Co., Ltd. has delivered a new-energy shunting locomotive to Jinggu Railway at the Beijing Jingping Comprehensive Logistics Hub. The FXN3B is the first hybrid shunting locomotive to be introduced to an operator in Beijing that is not part of China Railway. The FXN3B forms part of a newer generation of rail transit equipment designed to meet operational requirements while supporting environmental objectives. The locomotive combines battery technology with a high-efficiency motor system.
Source: Railway-News
CRRC has unveiled the first four-car suburban rail electric multiple-units that it is building for Ningbo’s under-construction lines 10 and 12. The supplier says that lines 10 and 12 will be ‘China’s first demonstration project for the standard regional Type A trains’, which are designed for 160 km/h operations, significantly higher than the typical 80-100 km/h top speed on existing lines in China. The trains are being developed in collaboration with Ningbo Rail Transit, and were unveiled at the manufacturer’s Ningbo Industrial Base on March 25.
Source: Railway Gazette
13 April 2026. Australia. Airport rail moves forward with shortlist
Two construction consortiums have been shortlisted to deliver the next major package of works for Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, marking another step toward a future rail link to the airport. The shortlisted bidders – CPB Contractors with SMEC Australia, and FCC Construction with Martinus Rail, Arcadis and BG&E – will now progress through a competitive tender process, with a contract expected to be awarded next year. The package of works will focus on upgrading the corridor between West Footscray and Albion.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
13 April 2026. Italy. Webuild-Led Consortium Completes Excavation of Caterina Tunnel
Excavation has been completed on the Caterina Tunnel, forming a crucial part of Lot 1A of the Salerno-Reggio Calabria High-Speed/High-Capacity Railway, a strategic project that will connect southern Italy with northern Italy and Europe. The work on Lot 1A is currently being carried out by a consortium led by Webuild, which is under contract from RFI (FS Italiane Group). At over 1km long; the tunnel was excavated by tunnel-boring machine (TBM) Mireille, which, powered by 11 engines generating 3,850 kW of power, weighs in at 1,200 tonnes, and is equipped with a cutterhead over 10 metres in diameter.
Source: Railway News
The UK rail industry has taken a decisive step towards modernising operational communications, with RSSB’s Industry Leadership Group (ILG) agreeing to phase out signal post telephones (SPTs) from future re‑signalling projects. The decision follows a request from Network Rail to stop the routine provision of signal post telephones during re‑signalling works, beginning with its Fife re‑signalling project. After reviewing the evidence, the ILG concluded that SPTs no longer provide a proportionate or effective safety benefit when compared with modern alternatives.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
Jobs of the Week
Assistant Manager, QAQC, Singapore
Job ID#:15399
Discipline: Quality
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Senior Engineer/ Assistant Manager (QAQC) to support their civil engineering and construction projects in Singapore.
Responsibilities:
- To establish the quality assurance system in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001 for the project, formulate the Project Quality Plan.
- To develop, review and revise the Inspection & Test Plan, attend QA/QC meeting and to advise on quality control issues.
- Ensure quality of works in accordance with Quality Management Plan including development of Method Statements, Inspection & Testing Plans and Checklists. Should know process of handling, storage and handover process of such materials.
- Monitor the implementation of the Project Quality and Environmental Plan.
- Preparing Quality Plan that supports the project and clients requirements on quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC).
- Prepare and conduct site inspections and close on the reports
- Witnessing and sentencing of all site inspections within their disciplines.
- Follow and fill up the inspection and test plans to comply with the contract requirements.
Job Requirements:
- Possess Bachelor Degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Electronic/Mechatronics) in construction firm
- At least 5 years of QA/QC experience in trackwork
- Familiar with ISO standard for ISO 9000, 14000, and18000
- Rail experience with LTA project in Singapore would be an advantage
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Senior QAQC Engineer, Singapore
Job ID#: 15398
Discipline: Quality
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Senior QA/QC Engineer to support their civil engineering and construction projects in Singapore.
The Senior QA/QC Engineer, a specialist in railway infrastructure, will lead quality assurance and control (QA/QC) for projects, focusing on compliance with standards (ISO 9001), Inspection & Test Plans (ITP), and Method Statements.
Key Responsibilities & Scope
- Quality Management: Establish and monitor the Project Quality Plan and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 requirements.
- Inspection & Testing: Develop, review, and implement Inspection & Test Plans (ITP) and Checklists.
- Site Compliance: Witness and authorize site inspections, ensuring work meets contractual, technical, and client standards.
- Documentation: Prepare and maintain quality documentation, including Method Statements, site inspection reports, and closing out reports.
- Auditing: Conduct site inspections and audit QA systems for effectiveness.
Job Requirements:
This role requires 10+ years of engineering experience with a degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Railway Engineering, or relevant Tier 2 Accreditation.
- Experience: Requires significant engineering experience, specifically looking for senior-level capability in quality management for infrastructure.
- Education: A recognized degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Railway Engineering.
- Skills: Strong knowledge of quality control procedures, analytical skills, and proactive problem-solving.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
Chief Expert-System Security & Cyber Security (Roll on/Roll off), Delhi, India
Job ID#: 15334
Discipline: Cyber Security
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Chief Expert-System Security & Cyber Security (Roll on/Roll off) to work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project.
Job location: initially in Delhi or Ahmedabad. Finally, they will move to project site office as per requirement.
Number of Man-Months: 24
Job Requirements:
Education
- Engineering Graduate in Electronics/Computer/IT Engineering stream or equivalent
Required Experience:
- Overall 20 years of experience.
- 10 years of experience in implementation of System Security including Cyber Security in Rail-based Transit System project(s).
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
Chief Expert-Integration, Testing and Commissioning, Delhi, India
Job ID#: 15333
Discipline: Test and Commissioning
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Chief Expert-Integration, Testing and Commissioning to work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project.
Job location: initially in Delhi or Ahmedabad. Finally, they will move to project site office as per requirement.
Number of Man-Months: 60
Job Requirements:
Education:
- Engineering Graduate/Diploma in Electrical/Electronics stream or equivalent
Required Experience:
- Overall 20 years of experience in Railways/Metro;
- 10 years of experience in integration of Systems during construction phase in Rail-based Transit System project(s).
- Minimum 02 years of experience as in-charge of Integration, Testing and Commissioning in High-Speed Rail Project(s)
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
Chief Expert-Radio System including FRMCS, Delhi, India
Job ID#: 15332
Discipline: Telecommunications
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Chief Expert-Radio System including FRMCS to work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project.
Job location: initially in Delhi or Ahmedabad. Finally, they will move to project site office as per requirement.
Number of Man-Months: 60
Job Requirements:
Education
- Engineering Graduate/Diploma in Electrical/Electronics stream or equivalent
Required Experience:
- Engineering Graduate with overall 15 years, or Engineering Diploma with overall 18 years of experience in Rail-based Transit System project(s).
- 08 years of experience in project management of Telecommunication System during construction phase in Rail-based Transit System project(s).
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
