Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting the Vietnam Rail Summit 2026 which will take place from 13-14 August 2026 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Under the theme "Sustainable Rail Smart Mobility", the summit will bring together government authorities, railway operators, metro project owners, industry leaders, technology providers, and financial institutions from across Vietnam and the ASEAN region. This is a premier platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing rail markets.
For more information and to register to attend, click here
It's a bumper week for Job of the Week this week.
In Bangladesh, we are looking for a Team Leader and an Additional Team Leader for a proposal to work on the Dhaka MRT Line-5 (Southern Route). In the Philippines, we are looking for a MEP Engineer and in Malaysia, we are looking for a Senior Architect (must already reside in Malaysia).
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
24 June 2026. Australia. ARA welcomes NSW Budget investment in rail
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed rail funding announcements in this week’s New South Wales Budget, including $2.4 billion for the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and $2.1 billion to improve reliability and incident response on the Sydney Trains network.
Other investments include $30.9 million for Woollahra train station, $100 million joint funding with the Federal Government for southwest Sydney rail planning and future business case work.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
Private investors from Singapore and other international markets have expressed interest in the Philippines’ railway sector following a market-sounding exercise organized by the Department of Transportation in Singapore. Held in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Infrastructure Asia (InfraAsia) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event showcased public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities involving the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Operations and Maintenance (MRT3 O&M) Project.
Source: Bilyonaryo
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited bids for the design and construction of seven elevated metro stations on the Lajpat Nagar-Saket G-Block corridor under Delhi Metro Phase-IV. The project falls under the Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System (Phase-IV Additional Corridors) and will receive financial support through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Source: Metro Rail News
Scotland’s railway is preparing for a week of unusually high temperatures, with forecasts suggesting highs of up to 32°C—close to a potential June record. While the most severe heat warnings are focused further south, the impact on rail operations north of the border is already being carefully managed. The Met Office has indicated that temperatures could surpass 30°C by Thursday, followed by a risk of thunderstorms bringing lightning, heavy rainfall and strong winds later in the day.
Source: Rail Technology Magazine
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has signed a Co-Development Agreement (CDA) with Momentum Alliance Partners, a consortium of infrastructure, rail and investment companies, to examine options for accelerating future expansion of the state’s high-speed rail network. The agreement represents the Authority’s first co-development partnership focused on evaluating how private sector funding, expertise and delivery approaches could support extensions beyond the section currently under construction between Merced and Bakersfield.
Source: Railway News
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has inaugurated the Mohamed bin Zayed City Passenger Train Station in Abu Dhabi and witnessed the unveiling of the UAE passenger rail network, which is scheduled to launch on September 30, 2026. The milestone marks a major step forward in the UAE’s efforts to build a fully integrated national transport system, connecting cities, economic hubs and tourism destinations through a modern and sustainable mobility network, according to an Abu Dhabi Media Office news report.
Source: Gulf Business
23 June 2026. United Kingdom. TfL appoints Amey to Infrastructure Improvement Framework
Amey has been appointed by Transport for London (TfL) to its Infrastructure Improvement Framework, a major programme valued at up to £700 million. Running for two years from June 2026, with the option to extend, Amey will work alongside Costain and Dragados to support the delivery of a pipeline of station upgrades, tram infrastructure and step-free access improvements across London, helping to modernise critical assets and improve accessibility for millions of passengers.
Source: Rail UK
22 June 2026. Japan. TfL Roundel Unveiled at Tokyo Metro’s Ueno Station
Transport for London (TfL) and Tokyo Metro have marked their longstanding relationship with the unveiling of a TfL-inspired roundel at Ueno Station in Tokyo. The roundel was unveiled by TfL Commissioner Andy Lord, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Tokyo Metro President Akihiro Kosaka during TfL’s visit to the Japanese capital.The installation recognises the historical links between London’s transport network and the development of Tokyo’s metro system.
Source: Railway-News
22 June 2026. Singapore. ComfortDelGro launches public autonomous shuttle service in Singapore
Singapore-based transport operator ComfortDelGro has opened its autonomous shuttle service in Punggol to the public. The service can be booked through the Zig mobile application and the government-backed BookingSG platform, marking a significant step in the commercial deployment of autonomous mobility services in Singapore. The autonomous shuttles operate daily between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on a 25-minute route serving key locations including Punggol Coast Mall, Sam Kee LRT Station and Northshore Drive.
Source: SouthEast Asia Infrastructure
22 June 2026. Philippines. DOTr set to tender ₱179-billion subway contract to private operators
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to award the ₱179-billion contract to operate the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in the third quarter of 2027, aligning with preparations for the railway’s partial operations. Based on its presentation during last week’s Asia Infrastructure Forum, the DOTr is currently preparing the tender for the public-private partnership (PPP) project under a solicited bidding process.
Source: Manila Bulletin
20 June 2026. India. BEML to unveil the prototype of India’s first Bullet Train by early 2027
BEML is expected to roll out the first prototype of B-28, India’s first bullet train by early 2027, as reported by The Indian Express. The indigenously built bullet train is expected to operate from August 2027 at the Surat-Billimora stretch in Gujarat. The bullet train is being built at BEML’s Aditya Plant in Bengaluru. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Railway Minister, inaugurated the plant on 25th April, 2026. After the train set is ready, it will be sent to the Surat depot for testing and trial runs. The Surat depot is being developed by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).
Source: Metro Rail News
19 June 2026. South Korea. Hyundai Rotem secures $487.3 mil. railway maintenance project in Morocco
Hyundai Rotem said Friday it has secured a railway maintenance contract worth 748.2 billion won ($487.3 million) in Morocco, building on a major train supply deal previously signed with the North African country. The defense and railway equipment unit of Hyundai Motor Group signed the agreement with Morocco's national railway operator, ONCF, in the capital city of Rabat on Thursday (local time). The project covers the maintenance of all 440 train cars to be supplied by Hyundai Rotem and will be carried out over a 20-year period through a joint venture established by the company and ONCF.
Source: The Korea Times
Job of the Week
Job ID#: 15443
Discipline: Project Management
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the role of Team Leader to include as part of their proposal for the Dhaka MRT Line-5 (Southern Route) in Bangladesh.
The Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-5): Southern Route is a fast-track, high-capacity urban rail system designed to provide critical east-west connectivity across Dhaka. The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
Alignment & Infrastructure:
* Total Length: 17.20 km (13.10 km underground and 4.10 km elevated).
* Route: Gabtoli (inter-district bus terminal) to Dasherkandi, passing through Mirpur Road, Panthopath, Karwan Bazar, Hatirjeel, and Aftabnagar.
* Stations: 15 stations total (11 underground and 4 elevated).
* Depot: Located at Dasherkandi.
Major Tasks and Duties of the Team Leader
* The Team Leader (TL) is the representative of the Consultant, and the Consultant shall fulfil its obligations as the Engineer of the FIDIC contract suites used under the Project.
* The TL will be fully responsible for the overall management and Consultants' activities (described in chapters 2 and 3) of the entire project.
* The TL will assist in procurement management (bidding process, including evaluation of submitted bids, contract management, etc.) of all packages.
* The TL will coordinate to review and approve the Contractor(s) working drawings, shop drawings and drawings for temporary works. Also, review and approve in consultation with the Client, if any, design prepared by the Contractor(s) for any part of the permanent works.
* Meet, liaise, interact and coordinate with the Client as required to ensure that the overall management of the Project progresses efficiently. Work and supplies are carried out to high standards, avoiding cost/time overruns.
* Ensure that the Client is promptly informed of any significant problems that arise.
* See to it that appropriate project procedures are established and followed.
* Organize the supervision of the performance of the Contractor(s) until the stage of commissioning of the Project after trial runs.
Job Requirements:
General Qualifications
Academic Qualifications:
* Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or relevant areas
* Must have a professional qualification as a civil engineer or other application professional qualifications
* Must have proficiency in English
Overall experience:
* 20 years of professional experience
Project-related experience
Complexity, Nature and Quality of the Projects:
* 15 years of experience in metro (underground and elevated) project management and supervision of one international large-scale (>USD 1 billion) underground and/or elevated metro project in an urban context
* Preferably having Experience working on two projects financed by multilateral or bilateral development partner/bank
Experience in underground metro project:
* 10 years of work experience in the Underground Metro Project
* 5 years of work experience as a Project Team Leader
Overseas Experience
* 2 years of work experience outside Expert's country
Note that conventional railway experience at grade is not considered relevant experience.
And bilateral funded projects will not be considered for criterion (i) above.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Additional Team Leader, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Job ID#: 15445
Discipline: Project Management
Job Description:
Our client is seeking suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the role of Additional Team Leader (ATL) to include as part of their proposal for the Dhaka MRT Line-5 (Southern Route) in Bangladesh.
The Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-5): Southern Route is a fast-track, high-capacity urban rail system designed to provide critical east-west connectivity across Dhaka. The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
Alignment & Infrastructure:
* Total Length: 17.20 km (13.10 km underground and 4.10 km elevated).
* Route: Gabtoli (inter-district bus terminal) to Dasherkandi, passing through Mirpur Road, Panthopath, Karwan Bazar, Hatirjeel, and Aftabnagar.
* Stations: 15 stations total (11 underground and 4 elevated).
* Depot: Located at Dasherkandi.
Major Tasks & Duties:
* The Additional Team Leader (ATL System) shall act as the Engineer/Project Manager or otherwise as designated in the contracts for CP-06 to CP-09 packages.
* Report to the TL and the Client (as and when required);
* Be fully responsible for the overall management and Consultant's activities of the project's railway system (CP-06 to CP-09);
* Manage and supervise all works related to the railway electrical system, including signalling, telecommunications, SCADA, OCC, substations, power distribution systems, overhead contact systems, AFC, PSD, PIS, TVS, ECS, Fire Protection Water and Drainage (FWD) system, Rolling Stock and Depot Equipment, etc.;
* Assure that the detailed design, specifications, standards and codes proposed by the Railway Systems Contractors comply with the Employer's Requirements and Contract documents;
* Play the chief role for interface management, system integration, testing, commissioning, and trial run;
* During TL's absence, act as the consultant's representative and assume the role of the TL;
* Act as a coordinator between the Client and the Consultant;
* Overall monitoring and supervising of the concerned contractor's works, supply on all aspects, including progress, work quality, invoice, interface, etc.;
* Provide necessary support to the Client and the Consultant under the proposed ADB's TA project in formulating the strategies for non-rail business and
* Any other tasks related to railway systems as required or assigned by the TL for the successful completion of the Project.
Job Requirements:
General Qualifications
Academic & Professional:
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or relevant areas.
Must have a professional qualification as an electrical or mechanical engineer or other applicable professional qualifications.
Language: Must have proficiency in English.
Overall Experience: 20 years of professional experience.
Project-Related Experience
Metro Experience: 15 years of experience in project management and supervision of (of them at least one international large-scale (>USD 0.5 billion)) underground and/or elevated metro projects.
Underground Experience: 5 years of work experience in Underground Metro Projects.
Leadership: 3 years of work experience as Additional Team Leader (the Client also accepts "Team Leader," "Project Manager," or "Deputy/Additional Project Manager" as equivalent).
Funding Preference: Preferably having experience working on two projects financed by a multilateral development partner/bank (bilateral funding was explicitly removed from the criteria).
Overseas Experience: 2 years of work experience outside the Expert's home country.
Contact: Rajni Tewani (rajni@railpersonnel.com)
MEP Engineer Manila, Philippines
Job ID#: 15442
Discipline: Mechanical Electrical Plumbing
Position Type: Contract
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is looking for an additional MEP Engineer to join their team working on the design and construction of the Manila Metro.
The MEP Engineer is responsible for planning, design coordination, installation oversight, testing, commissioning, and maintenance support for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across metro rail stations, depots, tunnels, and related facilities. The role ensures all MEP works meet project specifications, safety standards, regulatory requirements, quality expectations, and approved schedules.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Systems
* Supervise the installation and commissioning of HVAC systems in stations, tunnels, technical rooms, and depots.
* Monitor ventilation, smoke extraction, and tunnel ventilation systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
* Ensure compliance with applicable metro rail standards and fire-life safety requirements.
* Review mechanical shop drawings, method statements, and material submittals.
Electrical Systems
* Coordinate installation of power distribution, lighting, emergency lighting, UPS, generator, and grounding systems.
* Review electrical designs for compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements.
* Monitor cable routing, termination, testing, and commissioning activities.
* Coordinate interfaces with traction power and signalling teams, as required.
Plumbing & Fire Protection
* Oversee installation of water supply, drainage, sewage, and firefighting systems.
* Ensure proper testing and commissioning of pumps, hydrants, sprinklers, and fire suppression systems.
* Verify compliance with local regulations and project specifications.
Project Coordination
* Coordinate with civil, architectural, track, signalling, telecommunications, and rolling stock teams.
* Review IFC drawings, shop drawings, and as-built documentation for accuracy and completeness.
* Participate in design reviews, technical meetings, and progress reporting.
* Resolve site technical issues and provide engineering support during construction.
Quality & Safety
* Ensure all MEP works comply with approved quality standards, inspection requirements, and project procedures.
* Conduct inspections and witness testing in line with approved inspection and test plans.
* Support implementation of HSE policies and procedures.
* Ensure compliance with metro rail safety regulations and permit-to-work systems.
Testing & Commissioning
* Prepare and review MEP testing and commissioning procedures.
* Coordinate integrated testing with railway systems and project stakeholders.
* Support trial operations and project handover activities.
* Ensure all required documentation is completed, reviewed, and approved before final acceptance.
Job Requirements:
Qualifications
* BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
* Professional engineering registration or certification is preferred.
* Working knowledge of relevant international standards, including IEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, BS, EN, or equivalent frameworks.
Experience
* Over 10 years of progressive MEP engineering experience.
* Experience in metro rail, railway, airport, tunnel, or large-scale infrastructure projects is preferred.
* Testing and commissioning experience for MEP systems is highly desirable.
Skills
* Strong understanding of MEP systems in transportation infrastructure environments.
* Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and Microsoft Office.
* Solid knowledge of BIM coordination processes.
* Strong problem-solving and coordination skills.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to perform effectively under tight project schedules
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Senior Architect, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Job ID#: 15348
Discipline: Architecture
Language: English, Malay
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Senior Architect to be based in Kuala Lumpur (must already reside in Malaysia) for a 2 year contract with visits to Penang twice a month.
Responsibilities:
- Conceptualise concept and schematic designs;
- Carry out feasibility studies and present design proposals;
- Prepares tender documentation, schedules and material specifications;
- Competent in construction details, and able to do design development;
- Responsible for the design, code compliance, project and contract administration of the project(s) involved;
- Liaise and coordinate with Authorities, Client and Consultant Team for the project(s) involved;
- Oversees progress of on-site work and resolves any arising issues;
- Ensures design quality;
- Assist the Team Lead to oversee, guide and work with the project team to prepare deliverables based on the project needs.
- Carry out presentations to Clients in English
- Prepare necessary programme and monitor progress of work to ensure all necessary timelines are met
Job Requirements
Exposure to civil/infrastructure works is required and the following skills:
- Graduated with a Degree or Masters in Architecture
- Minimum 10 years of relevant architectural experience running BIM projects;
- Possess at least 5 years of working experience in the design of transit rail projects. MRT / LRT depot experience is necessary.
- Good knowledge of architectural details, working drawings and construction practices;
- Desired software proficiencies: Applicants are expected to possess comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience with Microsoft Project as well as with design and graphics software, specifically Revit, SketchUp, ACAD and Photoshop.
- Ability to use sketch and produce good design concepts;
- Conversant with local codes and regulations.
- Added bonus would be to also have experience in Aviation related projects such as airports, hangers etc
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
