First Phase of Construction on Cardiff Crossrail Ready to Begin
Construction of the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, a tram‑train link between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay via Callaghan Square, is set to begin after GRAHAM is named principal contractor. The £100 million project, jointly funded by the Welsh Government and the UK Levelling Up Fund, will add new platforms, twin‑track tramway, pedestrian spaces and segregated cycle routes. Cabinet approval is expected on 19 March, with contracts finalised in spring and construction slated for summer 2026. Completion is targeted for summer 2028, aligning with the city’s new arena and waterfront regeneration plans.
Austin Voted for 22 Miles of Light Rail — So Why Does the Project Span Only 9.8?
Voters approved a 22‑mile light‑rail network for Austin in 2020, but construction now focuses on a 9.8‑mile starter line with 15 stations, built by a Stacy Witbeck‑Sundt joint venture. The phased approach follows the same corridors as the full plan, allowing...
ROMIS Mobile Maintenance Train: Modular Solutions for Railway Infrastructure
Robel’s ROMIS Mobile Maintenance Train (MMT) has been upgraded into a modular platform that can operate as a single compact unit or as two‑ or three‑unit configurations. The three‑unit setup splits into Supply, Store and Work cars, each delivering dedicated...
Indian Railways Nears Full Electrification Amid Disruption to Gulf Oil Routes
Indian Railways has reached 99.4 % electrification of its broad‑gauge network as of January 2026, slashing diesel consumption by 62 % since 2016‑17. The shift comes amid disruptions to Gulf oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing India’s exposure to volatile crude...
Why Your Planning Team Needs a BI Layer
Rail planning teams often add new data feeds that become extra log‑ins and reconciliation chores, leaving planners to rebuild spreadsheets for every decision. The article argues that a dedicated business intelligence (BI) layer, placed atop existing asset stores, can turn...
New – Series 82 Now with Selector and Keylock Switches.
EAO has expanded its vandal‑proof Series 82 HMI line with two new functions: illuminated selector switches and durable key‑lock switches. The selector switch features a stainless‑steel housing, ergonomic design, tactile feedback and multi‑color illumination for clear visibility in any lighting. The...
System Coating Highlights in the Anniversary Year
FreiLacke marks its centennial by showcasing a unified system coating concept that blends powder, liquid and electrocoating technologies. The portfolio now includes EcoOne 2K ETL, low‑temperature powders, water‑based and PFAS‑free formulations, and new design‑focused colour collections. Innovations such as a...
Southco’s New Heavy-Duty Rotary Latch Simplifies Cab Access While Enhancing Operator Safety
Southco has launched the R4‑50 Rotary Latch with Dual Triggers, a heavy‑duty cab‑door solution for off‑highway and agricultural equipment. The latch offers independent interior and exterior actuation, a pre‑loaded hand lever that dampens vibration, and mechanisms to prevent accidental release....
TfGM Announces Major Works Programme Along Tram Network
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) unveiled a £150 million works programme to upgrade Metrolink’s tracks, trams and workforce, kicking off this spring. Temporary closures begin over Easter weekend at key stations such as Trafford Bar and Deansgate‑Castlefield, with rail‑replacement services on...
Construction Underway on New Stations for Riyadh Red Line Extension
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City has broken ground on two new metro stations within King Saud University as part of the Red Line extension. The extension will add 8.4 km of track and five stations, linking the university campus...
Alto Details the Challenge of Winter Conditions for Canada’s High-Speed Rail Network
Alto, the consortium behind Canada’s proposed high‑speed rail, is confronting the nation’s harsh winter as a central design challenge. The 1,000‑kilometre, 300 km/h electrified corridor must remain operational despite snow, ice and prolonged sub‑zero temperatures. Drawing on practices from Europe and...
The Cyber Resilience Act: Implications for the Global Rail Industry
The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is set to overhaul security requirements for the global rail supply chain, targeting connected products and software. Nomad Digital hosted a webinar with experts from Alstom, Durham University and its own security team to...
An Interview with… Steve Ramsay, EH Smith Civils Solutions
EH Smith Civils Solutions, a division of the historic EH Smith Builders Merchants, was named the 2025 Builders Merchants Awards “Civils Merchant of the Year.” The business has posted nearly a 50% sales increase over the past two years, driven...
Mersen Launches Critical Power Panelboard (CPP)
Mersen has introduced its Critical Power Panel (CPP) series, a fully customizable fused panelboard that combines a lightweight design with a reduced footprint. Targeted at NEC‑required and non‑required applications—including UPS systems, data centers, medium‑voltage eHouses, emergency circuits, and DC utility...
A Look Into the Future of Digital Signalling Technology
Finland’s Digirail project marks Europe’s first split‑procurement signalling system, separating a centralised safety interlocking from distributed object controllers. The open‑architecture approach lets multiple manufacturers contribute components, boosting competition and modularity. Recent live integration tests at the ROK facility demonstrated seamless...
5 Myths About Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)
Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is gaining traction in railways, but misconceptions persist. The technology cannot eavesdrop on conversations in real‑world deployments, and it works with standard telecom‑grade fibers rather than costly specialty cables. While DAS units carry a high upfront...
Driving International Efficiencies Using Technology
Dual Inventive has completed field trials of its next‑generation rail safety suite, including the RCS 3000 remote‑control signal, the RSS 3000 PC off‑grid points controller, and the RDI 3000 v2 remote detonator isolator. Tests in Germany, France, Belgium and the UK demonstrated clear visibility...
Voestalpine Railway Systems’ Key Role in EU Rail FA3
voestalpine Railway Systems has joined as a founding member of the EU Rail FA3 programme, a pan‑European research effort to make rail the most sustainable and cost‑efficient transport mode. The company contributes its turnout and track‑system expertise across four use...
USDOT’s Proposed Amtrak Restructuring Plan Draws Scrutiny
USDOT is evaluating a sweeping restructuring of Amtrak, proposing a holding company with three subsidiaries for infrastructure, rolling stock, and operations. The Rail Passengers Association warns that without guaranteed public funding, the plan could jeopardize service levels, increase fares, and...
Trenitalia to Purchase 74 Additional Frecciarossa 1000 High-Speed Trains
Trenitalia announced a €2 billion high‑speed expansion, adding 74 Frecciarossa 1000 trains by the end of the decade. The new units will increase frequency on Italy’s busiest corridors and support cross‑border services. Simultaneously, the company is renewing its regional fleet, aiming for...