Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting HSR Asia 2026 which will take place from 9-10 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 and to register to attend, visit: https://stratcomsevents.com/hsrasia26/
Our Job of the Week this week is in Dubai where we are looking for Graduate Engineers to work on the Dubai HSR. Candidates must be UAE Nationals
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
5 May 2026. United States. $1.29 Billion Contract Awarded for Hudson Tunnel Project
The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) has awarded a major construction contract for the Hudson Tunnel Project, covering the section that will run beneath the Hudson River. The contract, known as Package 1C: The Hudson River Tunnel Section, has been awarded to the Traylor/Walsh/Skanska joint venture. The work includes boring new tunnel tubes under the river, as well as installing the internal lining and floor. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months.
Source: Railway News
5 May 2026. Uzbekistan. Skoda to Supply 10 Electric Trains for Operation in Uzbekistan
The Škoda Group has signed a new strategic cooperation agreement for the supply of ten modern electric trains to Uzbekistan. Signed at the Presidential Palace; this agreement will include the delivery of units, creation of a joint venture for localisation, service and the establishment of the Škoda Academy. Total value of the planned project is expected to exceed three billion CZK (120 million EUR), with the new trains set to represent a significant step towards the expansion of the Škoda Group into the Central Asian region.
Source: Railway News
Arcadis has been appointed by Amsterdam public transport operator GVB as one of three suppliers on a major framework agreement for consultancy and engineering services, strengthening its position in Europe’s urban rail and public transport market.
The framework will support GVB’s extensive programme of renewal and improvement across its public transport network, which carries more than 21 million passengers each month.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
Knorr‑Bremse has reached a major milestone in one of North America’s most significant urban rail modernisation programmes, as a large‑scale signalling upgrade for Boston’s metro network moves into its final phase. Through its KB Signaling business, Knorr‑Bremse is completing the modernisation of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Red and Orange Lines, helping to transform rail operations across one of the United States’ busiest metropolitan regions.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
5 May 2026. United Kingdom. Contracts signed to reopen Portishead Line
One of the most-anticipated rail projects in the south west took a major step forward on Friday 1 May, as contracts worth £200 million were signed at Bristol Temple Meads to deliver two brand new stations and reinstate the Portishead railway line closed to passengers since 1964. Three contracts have been awarded to deliver the project. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will lead construction of the line and highways improvements at Portishead, Colas Rail will design and install a new digital signalling system and AmcoGiffen has been appointed to deliver bridge works and associated highways work in Bristol.
Source: Rail UK
4 May 2026. Australia. Works powering ahead on Melton Line upgrade
Construction is now underway on a new train stabling yard at Cobblebank as part of the federal and state governments’ Melton Line Upgrade. The yard will enable nine-car VLocity trains to run on the line from 2027 – one year ahead of schedule – boosting passenger capacity by 50 per cent on peak services. The yard will be located east of Melton Station with a direct connection to the line to allow trains to be ready for first services to Southern Cross. This will allow high-capacity Metro trains to run on the Melton Line for the first time.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
4 May 2026. Indonesia. KAI, SURGE and Huawei to deploy 5G and AI in Indonesia’s railway system
PT Kereta Api Indonesia, PT Solusi Sinergi Digital and Huawei have signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of 5G and AI technologies across Indonesia’s rail network. The collaboration focuses on three core areas: strengthening ICT infrastructure, deploying 5G-based Future Railway Mobile Communication Systems (FRMCS), and introducing AI-powered applications for railway operations.
Source: Southeast Asia Infrastructure
4 May 2026. Vietnam. Construction works commenced on HCMC Metro Line 2 sub-section
The Government of Ho Chi Minh City has commenced construction of the Ben Thanh–Thu Thiem metro section, a key part of Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong) network expansion. The 5.99 km line will run underground, including a tunnel beneath the Saigon River—making it the first fully underground metro project in Vietnam. The line will connect Ben Thanh Station in the city centre to Thu Thiem Station, a rapidly developing urban area.
Source: Southeast Asia Infrastructure
3 May 2026. China. First phase of ‘world’s longest’ orbital metro line opens in Wuhan
The first phase of Line 12 links Gangduhuayuan and Moshuihu Park, forming the southern part of the future ring line. A single journey over this section takes 58 min. Line 12 is a core component of the “ring + radial” metro concept being delivered in the conurbation; the second phase will be 24.6 km long and serve a further 14 stations. For the inauguration of the first phase, 43 of the 79-strong fleet equipped for GoA4 operation have been delivered.
Source: Railway Gazette
Job of the Week
Graduate Engineers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15413
Discipline: Civil
Position Type: Contract
Language: Arabic, English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking Graduate Engineers to work on the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project in Dubai. Candidates must be UAE Nationals.
Duration of Assignment: 5 years
Location: Dubai HSR
Priority and preference will be given to Civil Engineers, but our client will also consider Mechanical / Electrical Engineering Graduates.
Key Responsibilities
- Assisting in technical documentation and design reports.
- Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams for design reviews.
- Supporting testing & commissioning and risk assessments.
Job Requirements:
Requirements & Qualifications
- Nationality: Specifically for UAE Nationals.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering disciplines.
- Experience: Fresh graduate to 3 years of experience.
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
