Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting the SARA Rail Conference & Exhibition which will take place from 20-23 October 2026 at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The SARA Rail Conference & Exhibition is Africa’s only railway event hosted by railway operators from Africa. Organised by the Southern African Railways Association (SARA), the event brings together railway operators, government authorities, suppliers, financiers, logistics providers, and development partners to explore strategies for advancing rail and intermodal transport.
This high-level conference features keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, and focused breakaway sessions addressing critical themes such as corridor development, infrastructure investment, digital transformation, climate resilience, and regional connectivity.
Alongside the conference is a dynamic exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and services across the rail value chain. With over 100 exhibition stands, the event offers opportunities for networking, business development, and knowledge exchange.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://www.sararailconference.com/eoi/
Our Job of the Week this week is in Brisbane, Australia, where we are looking for a Planning & Delivery Lead.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
19 August 2026. Thailand. Bangkok Orange Line metro trainset unveiled
The first of 32 three-car trainsets being supplied for Bangkok’s Orange Line metro by a consortium including Siemens Mobility and Bozankaya has been completed. The train was unveiled on August 14 at Bozankaya’s plant in Ankara, where it has completed initial tests. It is now being transported to Germany to undertake further trials. The second train is currently undergoing test runs in Turkey and is expected to be delivered to Thailand at the end of November, operator Bangkok Expressway & Metro confirmed on August 14.
Source: Railway Gazette
Hyundai Rotem has completed the development of an obstacle detection system for light rail vehicles, the manufacturer announced last month. The Autonomous Driving Assistance System tool detects obstacles on the tracks by considering track dimensions and the operating environment and alerts the driver if a high-risk situation is detected. The technology uses LiDAR sensors and cameras. It collects data and utilises it to analyse driving patterns and simulate hazardous situations. The manufacturer has been collecting data for the project through sensors installed on its tram fleet operating in Warszawa, Poland.
Source: Railway Gazette
Siemens Mobility has delivered the first of 12 three-car metro trains for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project, marking the start of the next phase of testing and commissioning for the new line. The train arrived in Australia following testing in Vienna and at Siemens Mobility’s Test and Validation Center in Wildenrath, Germany. This included assessments in a climate chamber to evaluate the train’s performance in different environmental conditions. The train will now undergo further testing at the Stabling and Maintenance Facility in Orchard Hills, New South Wales, before testing moves to the main track.
Source: Railway News
19 August 2026. Thailand. Thailand advances 504 km southern double-track railway project
Thailand’s Ministry of Transport is preparing to seek Cabinet approval on September 1 for the first phase of the southern double-track railway project, covering 504km and involving an investment framework of approximately THB106.798 billion. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved the implementation approach for the project, with construction targeted to begin in July 2027.
Source: Southeast Asia Infrastructure
18 August 2026. Australia. Tunnelling consortia shortlisted for high-speed rail
Three major construction consortia have been shortlisted to help develop the detailed plans for the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project, including around 35 kilometres of twin tunnels between Berowra and Ourimbah. The High Speed Rail Authority has selected the three consortia to take part in an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process for Area Package 1, which covers the section of the proposed route between Berowra and Ourimbah. The shortlisted consortia are: Acciona John Holland Joint Venture; Advanced Alliance Joint Venture, comprising Gamuda Engineering, FCC Construction Australia and Samsung C&T Corporation and GoFar Joint Venture, comprising CPB Contractors, Ferrovial Construction Australia and VINCI Construction Grands Projects Australia.
Source: Infrastructure Magazine
18 August 2026. India. Bangalore Metro to be equipped with Alstom’s AI-integrated CBTC system
Bangalore Metro Phase 2 is set to introduce fully driverless operations under Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) on the Pink and Blue Lines, marking a major leap in the city’s public transport. To make train-to-train communication stronger and more reliable, Alstom is integrating advanced AI into its CBTC signalling system. The stronger the communication, the faster and smoother the service becomes. This AI-powered upgrade will support completely unattended train operations while adding predictive maintenance and real-time asset monitoring, making the network safer, more efficient and ready for higher capacity.
Source: Metro Rail News
17 August 2026. China. Flying Train: China’s Ultra-High Speed Train reaches 800 kmph in 5.3 seconds
An Ultra-High Speed Train made using ‘Maglev’ technology has recorded the fastest speed during a trial run in China. It reached a record speed of 800 kmph in just 5.3 seconds breaking its own previous record. This feat was achieved on a one kilometre test track at Donghu Laboratory of China’s Hubei province. The Maglev train uses magnetic levitation technology to slightly lift the train above ground level and thereby removing friction from the wheels.
Source: Metro Rail News
17 August 2026. United States. US Invests $5.3 Billion Into Rail Safety and Infrastructure Upgrades
The US Department of Transportation (US DOT) has announced 5.3 billion USD in federal funding for rail projects across the country, including grade crossing upgrades, infrastructure improvements and new Amtrak trainsets. The funding was announced by US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 14 August. The projects are being funded through the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) National Railroad Partnership Program (NRPP).
Source: Railway News
17 August 2026. Australia. Alstom Celebrates Delivery of Stage 3 of Gold Coast Light Rail Project
Alstom has celebrated the successful delivery of the design, supply, installation and testing and commissioning of telecommunications, signalling and control systems enabling passenger service for the opening of the third stage of the Gold Coast Light Rail. All solutions connect to an enhanced control system, which has been deployed within the upgraded Operational Control Centre (OCC), which in turn is now supported by a new Disaster Recovery Centre (DRC).
Source: Railway News
Job of the Week
Planning & Delivery Lead, Brisbane, Australia
Job ID#: 15470
Discipline: Planner
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a Planning and Delivery Lead for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) to be responsible for overseeing the coordination and successful execution of the elements of the program outside the scope of the Design, Build and Maintain (DBM) contract being delivered by Downer (Supporting Projects).
The Supporting Projects are as follows:
Test Track (under consideration)
Manufacturing Facility Mainline Connection
Network Connection Works (including Ormeau Mainline Realignment)
Goldmine Road upgrade
Clapham Yard Maintenance Facility
Varsity Lakes Stabling Infrastructure
Network upgrade
Simulator accommodation
Start Contract Date: 28 September 2026
End Contract Date: 24 September 2027
Extension Options: 1 x 12-month extension option at client discretion
Job Closes: 2.00pm on 28 August 2026 AEST.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Planning and Delivery
- Lead the planning, procurement, delivery and integration of all Supporting Projects required to support the successful manufacture, testing, commissioning, maintenance and operation of the QTMP fleet.
- Develop and implement delivery strategies and integrated schedules to ensure enabling infrastructure is delivered in alignment with program milestones and operational requirements.
- Manage project scope, schedule, cost, quality and performance to achieve approved program outcomes.
Leadership and Contract Management
- Lead and develop the Planning and Delivery Team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing and safety-focused culture.
- Oversee the procurement, administration and performance of delivery partners, consultants and contractors to ensure contractual obligations and delivery objectives are achieved.
- Oversee the administration and management of contacts and delivery partner arrangements, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and achievement of safety, schedule, cost, quality and performance objectives.
- Provide expert advice and recommendations to the Program Director on delivery, commercial and strategic matters.
Risk, Governance and Operational Readiness
- Identify and manage project risks, issues, dependencies and opportunities to support successful project and program outcomes.
- Ensure all statutory, environmental, regulatory and operations approvals are identified and achieved in accordance with program requirements.
- Provide accurate reporting, assurance and governance oversight across the supporting projects.
- Ensure effective handover, operational readiness and transition arrangements to support successful introduction of the QTMP fleet into service.
Integration and Stakeholder Management
- Lead interfaces between supporting projects and the Manufacturing Facility, Ormeau Maintenance Facility, Queensland Rail network and other QTMP delivery streams.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with the client, local government authorities, utilities, regulators and other key stakeholders.
- Ensure delivered assets are fit for purpose and capable of achieving operational, safety, maintenance and commissioning requirements.
Job Requirements:
1. A degree in Engineering
2. Ten (10) years' experience on major infrastructure projects, with five (5) years minimum experience on a rail or rollingstock project.
3. Previous experience working for rail clients in Queensland in the delivery of roads and/or rail infrastructure projects.
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
