Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting the Indonesia Rail Summit which will take place from 11-12 June 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Centered on the theme "Low-Carbon Rail · Intelligent Connection", the summit aims to establish a premier dialogue platform connecting Indonesian government policymakers, national and local rail asset owners, leading international technology and system suppliers, financial institutions, and think tanks. Bringing together over 300 industry leaders and experts, the summit will delve into the strategic blueprint for Indonesia's rail development, innovative technological pathways, sustainable financing models, and industrial chain collaboration opportunities. It seeks to collectively chart the course for the high-quality development of rail transportation in Indonesia and the wider ASEAN region, contributing wisdom and solutions to enhance regional connectivity and green transition.
For more information and to register to attend, click here.
It’s a bumper week for Jobs of the Week this week. In the Philippines, we are looking for a Cost Expert, Contract Manager, and Forensic Delay Analyst. Also, our client is bidding for work in Singapore, and they are looking for a Planning and Programming Manager
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
26 May 2026. United Kingdom. Fans encouraged to travel by train as ScotRail boosts Hampden services
ScotRail is encouraging football fans to travel by train to Scotland’s final international friendly match on home soil before they fly out to America for the FIFA World Cup. Steve Clarke’s side take on fellow qualifiers Curaçao at Barclays Hampden on Saturday, 30 May, as they continue preparations for Scotland’s men’s first World Cup appearance in almost 30 years.Thousands of fans are expected to head to Glasgow for the 13.00 kick-off, and to support matchday travel, ScotRail will operate additional trains and provide extra seats on services between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida, the closest station to Hampden.
Source: Rail UK
26 May 2026. Australia. First tunnel breakthrough
The first of the North East Link tunnels have now been excavated, with tunnel boring machine (TBM) Zelda breaking through in Bulleen after completing more than five kilometres of tunnelling beneath Melbourne’s north-east. TBM Zelda completed excavation of the first of the project’s two three-lane tunnels after beginning its journey in Watsonia almost two years ago, helping deliver the missing link in Melbourne’s freeway network. The 15.6-metre-wide and 90-metre-long machine has excavated just over five kilometres of the 6.5-kilometre northbound tunnel between Watsonia and Bulleen.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
26 May 2026. Taiwan. Kaohsiung metro construction contract awarded
Kaohsiung’s Mass Rapid Transit Bureau has awarded a 70:30 joint venture of Malaysia’s Gamuda and local partner Shang Ting Construction the civil works and electromechanical facilities contract RLC02 for the Siaogang–Linyuan (Red) Line. The NT$26.39bn contract includes the construction of three underground metro stations, one elevated station, 3.9 km of twin-bore tunnel and six cross passages. The project will incorporate eco-friendly materials and sustainable landscaping, as well as measures aimed at promoting sustainability, social inclusivity and positive community impact.
Source: Railway Gazette
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has completed the Road 26 grade separation in Madera County, marking the 60th major structure finished along the first 119 miles of active high-speed rail construction in California’s Central Valley. The newly opened overpass, located north of Madera between Club Drive and Avenue 18½, is designed to separate road traffic from both the existing BNSF railway and the future high-speed rail corridor. By removing the at-grade crossing, the project is intended to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians while reducing delays caused by passing trains.
Source: Railway News
Kolkata Metro has completed the long-pending girder launching work at Chingrighata ahead of schedule. The work is an important part of the Orange Line that will connect New Garia, Sector V and the airport. Metro authorities restored normal traffic on EM Bypass early Sunday morning after completing the work before the planned deadline. Major construction work completed
Kolkata Metro carried out the work over two weekends, May 15 to May 18, May 22 to May 25.
Source: Metro Rail News
22 May 2026. Turkey. Istanbul rail bypass project tendering underway
The Ministry for Transport & Infrastructure has invited expressions of interest in contracts to support the development of the 127 km Istanbul North Rail Crossing Project to build a railway bypass around the city and has given advance notice of four tenders for construction works. The US$6.5bn INRAIL route, to be designed for passenger and freight operation at up to 160 km/h, would create a new 127 km rail bypass around northern Istanbul.
Source: Railway News
Job of the Week
Cost Expert, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15421
Discipline: Costing
Job Description:
Our client is looking for a Cost Expert/Manager to assist with their contracts for work on the Manila Metro.
Responsibilities
Establish Robust Project Control Budgets based on the client-approved Project Control Estimate, ensuring a clear financial framework for project execution and preventing cost overruns.
Lead Cost Engineering Functions: Performed cost control, budget preparation, forecasting, and cost reporting, providing accurate financial insights and supporting cost-efficient decision-making.
Managed Financial Approvals and Variations: Maintained comprehensive and accessible registers for financial approvals, variations, and change orders, ensuring transparency and accountability in the financial tracking of the project.
Collaborated on Cost Change Reviews: Reviewed proposed cost changes in collaboration with construction personnel, the client, and contractors, ensuring that modifications were in line with budget constraints and project requirements, helping mitigate potential financial risks.
Job Requirements:
- Degree qualified
- Expertise in cost management, contract administration, and procurement for high-value projects
- Proven ability to optimize budgets, negotiate contracts, and implement best practices, ensuring cost efficiency, quality, and compliance
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Contract Manager, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15419
Discipline: Contracts
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is looking for an experienced Contracts Manager to manage one of the major contracts for work on the Manila Metro.
- Lead contract administration including management of variations, claims, and contractual correspondence.
- Contract Compliance Management by ensuring full adherence to all contractual terms and conditions.
- Monitor financial aspects such as budgets, expenditures, and payments to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Participate in contract negotiations and variation discussions to secure fair and equitable outcomes.
- Maintain comprehensive records of contracts, amendments, and correspondences, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to the Employer.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the client, contractors, and consultants for all contractual matters relating to the contract.
Job Requirements:
- Degree qualified preferably Civil
- Ideally with legal and contracts background
- Minimum 10 years of experience in contract claims resolution on major contracts both during pre-construction and construction
- Experience in resolving claims issues related to program delay
- Can demonstrate how he or she has been able to recognise Project trouble spots and devise ways and means to overcome them
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Forensic Delay Analyst, Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15418
Discipline: Claims
Job Description:
Our client is looking for a Forensic Delay Analyst to work on their contract to manage the Manila Metro to look after delay analysis, mitigation planning and extension of times claims. The person is to identify the cause and effect of project delays and manage extension of time claims. The role combines planning expertise and contract knowledge to support dispute resolution and expert reports.
Key Job Responsibilities
• Schedule Analysis: Review baseline, updated, and as-built schedules using critical path methodology (CPM).
• Causation Validation: Identify the root causes of delays and establish liability. Apply appropriate methodologies (e.g., Time Impact Analysis or Windows Analysis).
• Claim Preparation: Draft and review Extension of Time claims aligning with standard contracts
• Documentation Review: Collate and process contemporaneous records such as RFIs, meeting minutes, site diaries, and variation orders.
• Report Writing: Prepare forensic narrative reports and assist senior personnel or expert witnesses during mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
Required Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Experience: More than 10 years of experience in project planning, project controls, or delay claims. Local infrastructure/mega-project exposure is highly regarded.
• Good experience of preparing and reviewing extension of time claims on various of rail projects
• Software Skills: High proficiency in scheduling tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or Tilos.
• Contract Knowledge: Understanding of local standard contracts and international protocols like the Society of Construction Law (SCL) Delay and Disruption Protocol
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• More than 10 years of experience in project planning, project controls, or delay claims. Local infrastructure/mega-project exposure is highly regarded.
• Good experience of preparing and reviewing extension of time claims on various of rail projects
• High proficiency in scheduling tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or Tilos.
• Understanding of local standard contracts and international protocols like the Society of Construction Law (SCL) Delay and Disruption Protocol
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Planning and Programming Manager, Singapore
Job ID#: 15420
Discipline: Planner
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is bidding for work in Singapore and they are seeking suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the role of Planning and Programming Manager
Core Responsibilities:
- Schedule Development: Translate contractual requirements into comprehensive, executable project schedules using Oracle Primavera P6.
- Project Monitoring: Track progress curves, establish milestones, and update detailed work programs for tender and execution phases.
- Risk Management: Utilize program management tools to mitigate schedule risks and account for resource constraints.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with consultants, clients, and subcontractors, and report to internal and external stakeholders.
Job Requirements:
- Education: Minimum diploma or bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Railway Engineering.
- Experience: 5 to 7 years in planning and programming, preferably within large-scale construction or the railway industry.
- Software Skills: High proficiency in scheduling software, particularly Oracle Primavera P6.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of rail operations, Health & Safety legislation, and site coordination.
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)
