BRANCH LINE NEWS INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL SUPPLEMENT TO BLN 1443 02 MARCH 2024 This newsletter covers the world outside the British Isles from information supplied by members. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the compilers or of the Society. International Editor: Pete Skelton, 1 rue Traversière, 16450 BEAULIEU SUR SONNETTE, France to whom all email contributions should be sent. Email: [email protected] Postal Contributions should be sent to: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX Deputy International Editor: Mark Jones, 19 School Lane, Brinscall, Chorley, PR6 8QS Email: [email protected] EUROPE [091] Czech Republic – Liberec Tram Line Further Delayed The re-gauging of the 13 km metre gauge tram line between Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou to standard gauge started in July 2021 but has been delayed several times. Contrary to previous plans, the trams returned mid-2023 to the Vratislavice n.N., výhybna (passing loop) – Jablonec section but the rest of the line will probably not open until sometime in 2024. [092] Czech Republic – Praha Metro Line C to Be Automated Praha city council has approved plans to automate the existing metro Line C. This would enable orders for trainsets, platform screen doors and CBTC to be combined with those for the future Line D which is currently being built for automatic operation. Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib said Line D will need 16 trainsets and Line C a further 53, and splitting the orders would not be economically justified. The cost of automating the two lines is estimated at Kč36bn (€1.41bn) for the trains, control systems and platform screen doors, and Kč50bn (€1.96bn) for
upgrading the depots and providing 35 years of maintenance. It is envisaged that contracts could be awarded in 2025, with the trains entering service no earlier than 2029. Operator DPP estimates that automation of the 22 km Line C, the oldest on the network, would reduce annual operating costs by approximately Kč770mn (€30.26mn). This would more than cover the estimated Kč480mn (€18.86) per year operating costs of Line D Phase 1 between Pankrác and Nové Dvory and much of the cost of Phase 2 to Písnice. Minimum headways on Line C could also be decreased from 115 to 90 seconds to increase capacity. The delivery of new trains for Line C would enable the current Series M1 trainsets to be transferred to Line B, in turn enabling the withdrawal of the oldest Russian-built Series 81 trains on Lines A and B. In the longer term Line A could be automated by 2040, enabling the last of the Series 81 trains to be scrapped. [093] Czech Republic – Praha Petřín Funicular to Be Rebuilt The Praha public transport company (Dopravní podnik hlavního města Prahy a.s.; DPP) want to completely modernise the standard-gauge funicular in Petřín due to its unsatisfactory condition. In fact it will be a complete rebuild with only the two stone arch bridges and the Nebozízek Bridge being retained. Construction was scheduled to begin in spring 2024 but will be postponed by a year, with the funicular closed for a year. [094] Czech Republic – Timetable 063 Kopidlno to Dolni Bousov Fifteen years after the route was closed, passenger services are scheduled for 2025. The company AŽD Praha took over the route from the state infrastructure operator Správa železnic (SŽ) in 2014 and uses it as a test bed for driverless trains. Everything should be operational in 2024 ready for seasonal weekend trains (April to October) in 2025 with three train pairs planned. [I can confirm that this line has been maintained in excellent condition since closure despite the lack of regular use - Deputy Ed.]
[095] Estonia – Railways Losses Expected to Worsen in the Coming Years The losses of Estonian Railways are expected to continue and worsen in the coming years. Earlier, Estonia reported a decline of 43% in freight volumes following sanctions on Russian goods. The loss of freight volumes has led to passenger transportation exceeding freight transportation, according to Estonian Railways’ commercial manager Arthur Raichmann. Whereas 9.5 million tonnes of goods transited through Estonia in 2021, only 2.1 million tonnes of that amount remained in 2023. Raichmann does not expect this development to reverse anytime soon. The Estonian state has compensated the railway company with €31mn to compensate for the losses. The country expects that further financial support is needed in the upcoming years. Estonian Railways may need up to €40mn to fill the financial gaps. However, the ministry of transport also pointed out that Rail Baltica is expected to increase the importance of rail and potential freight capacity. The planned railway is supposed to connect all three Baltic countries with the rest of Europe on a highspeed European gauge line by 2030. [096] France – Colas Will Build Line B of the Brest Tramway as well as Line D of the BRT
Colas is one of the two groups to which the local public company BMa has awarded construction contracts for the second line of the Brest tramway (Line B) and the first High Level of Service Bus Line (BHNS), designated Line D, as part of the Brest Métropole «Mon réseau grandit» (“My network is growing”) project. The total of these two contracts amounts to €83mn and the commissioning of the overall project is planned for early 2026. With a length of 5.1 km, tram Line B will serve 11 stops between Brest station and the La Cavale Blanche University Hospital, passing through the Bellevue district. The consortium made up of Colas Projects, Colas Rail, Colas France (Territoire Ouest and Génie Civil) and Aximum will carry out the work of laying the railway track and the “facade to facade” infrastructure of this second line, to be connected to Line A, which it will cross in the centre of Brest. [097] France – Route 500, Thouars to Niort Reopens for Freight On 07 December 2023, the 91 km long on the Thouars – Parthenay – Niort line, the St-Varent to Parthenay section closed in 2015 due to poor condition, was officially reopened to freight traffic after substantial upgrading. Regular operations were scheduled to resume in January 2024 at a maximum speed of 60 km/h. Traffic is mainly from Millet Rail with trains running two to three times a week between the Carrières Roy quarry in St-Varent and the Greater Bordeaux area. Traffic volume is expected to be between 200,000 and 250,000 tonnes per year. Amaltis will run fertiliser trains once or twice a month to Germany. A further large flow of goods will probably be added from 2026, when Val de Loire Ciments, part of Cem'In'Eu, open a new cement plant in Montreuil-Bellay. It is expected that by 2029 up to three trains per week (250,000 tonnes per year) of clinker will be imported by rail via Sète. A resumption of passenger traffic is unlikely due to the small communities en route. [098] France – Saint-Denis-Pleyel Station in Final Construction Phase Saint-Denis-Pleyel station, set to become a flagship station of the Grand Paris Express, is gearing up for its grand opening in the coming months. This station is poised to be among the largest in the Grand Paris Express network, and a pivotal hub in the Parisian transport network, catering to approximately 250,000 daily passengers.
As the Saint-Denis-Pleyel station construction project enters its final phase, all key stakeholders involved in the station’s construction have converged on the site. Various tasks being expedited including the completion of building facades, the configuration of public spaces, the installation of essential systems such as lighting, speakers, and surveillance equipment, as well as the fine-tuning of lifts and escalators. The station is now undergoing rigorous testing, with over 500 trains passing through daily along Line 14’s tracks. Upon completion of this station, which the Société du Grand Paris Express describes as the “nerve centre of the Grand Paris Express,” it will serve as a crucial junction for Lines 14, 15, 16, and 17. BESIX France is currently constructing the Saint-Denis-Pleyel station, a project designed by the architect Kengo Kuma. Valued at €100mn, the contract encompasses the comprehensive development of the station, spanning across a total surface area of 34,000m² spread over nine levels, including four subterranean levels. Lines 16 and 17 are scheduled to make stops there in 2026, followed by Line 15 in 2030. The construction timeline is set at 53 months, ensuring completion in time for the 2024 Olympic Games, with the station playing a pivotal role in serving the main Olympic venues. Following its inauguration, Kéolis will assume responsibility for managing the Saint-Denis-Pleyel station until the arrival of passengers on Lines 16 and 17 by the end of 2026. [099] Germany – Braunschweig Tram Service Withdrawal The 850m section of Route 2 between Bürgerpark and John-F-Kennedy-Platz via Leisewitzstraße is currently not served after approximately 19:45 on Mondays to Fridays nor at all at weekends as the route diverts via the Hauptbahnhof at these times. However from a timetable revision on 18 March 2024, all Route 2 trams are diverted via the Hbf leaving just two route 2E pairs running via Leisewitzstraße departing Bürgerpark at 07:25 and 13:08 or John-F-Kennedy-Platz at 07:26 and 13:40 on Mondays to Fridays only. See: https://www.bsvg.net/startseite/aktuelles-detailansicht/article/neuer-fahrplan-ab-maerz-2024.html [100] Germany – Deutsche Bahn Begins Testing for High Speed Internet on Trains Deutsche Bahn has announced that testing is now underway on infrastructure to create 5G corridors along its tracks, paving the way for high-speed internet on trains. Through the Gigabit Innovation Track (GINT) research project, new radio masts are being installed and tested by network equipment provider Ericsson, telecommunications provider O2 Telefónica and radio mast operator Vantage Towers. The innovative design of these masts significantly shortens construction time compared to
standard infrastructure, enabling this milestone to be achieved just eight months from the project start. A 10-km test route providing high-speed internet on trains is now in operation in the south of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This project aims to enable passengers to use high data rates during their journey for uninterrupted connectivity, thus making the train a more attractive travel choice. In addition, the infrastructure contributes towards the further digitalisation of rail operations with the Future Rail Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) as the new masts have been designed so that the rail and mobile communications industries can use them together. The new trackside masts are now being tested alongside combinations of radio units and antennae for mobile communications and railway radio. [101] Germany – DB Ready for Riedbahn Renovation Five months ahead of the Riedbahn’s major overhaul between Frankfurt-am-Main and Mannheim, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and its construction partners report being confident in their preparations. January’s preparatory work has affirmed the feasibility of the construction volume, with the comprehensive traffic plan proving successful. From 15 July, DB will embark on a five-month project to completely renew the infrastructure and stations along the route. In January, DB, alongside local transport authorities, reorganised services between the Rhein-Main and Rhein-Neckar urban areas, ensuring smooth long-distance and regional traffic operations. Freight services also ran punctually via diversion routes. In regional traffic, 150 replacement buses served up to 16,000 passengers daily, covering about 1.2 million km. Mannheim to Frankfurt Airport travellers were accommodated with shuttle buses. The trial run in January involved renewing 23 points, over 9 km of track and installing thousands of foundations and new cable supports. Customer surveys revealed approximately 80% satisfaction with the replacement services. Plans include improved journey information for passengers. During the July renovation, only DB’s 150 replacement buses with Wi-Fi, USB ports and luggage racks will operate in regional traffic. DB also plans to buffer for unforeseen events during the actual renovation in the second half of the year. DB are preparing for Riedbahn renovation
Currently, DB is preparing diversion routes for additional traffic during the renovation, with the project planned to begin on 15 July. The Riedbahn, with over 300 trains daily, is heavily burdened. To improve rail traffic quality and punctuality, DB will renew tracks, points, overhead lines, signalling technology and construct noise barriers. Additionally, stations will receive modern amenities for barrier-free access. The route is expected to resume operations by 14 December. The Riedbahn’s extensive overhaul covers approximately 70 km, including replacing 120 km of track, 150 points and 140 km of overhead lines. The entire control and safety technology will be modernised, along with renovations at all 20 stations. This comprehensive upgrade, completed in a record-breaking five months, promises more punctual trains and upgraded facilities. Additionally, over 15 km of noise barriers will mitigate disruptions for residents. This aligns with DB’s Strong Rail strategy, aiming to double passenger transport capacity and expand rail freight market share. The Frankfurt-am-Main to Mannheim route’s renovation is a foundational step in achieving these goals. DB has expanded the Riedbahn project, updating costs to about €1.3bn. This includes switching to electronic technology, improving stations and ensuring efficient replacement services. To handle market changes, DB included a risk buffer. Most of the funding, €1.1bn comes from the federal budget. By consolidating projects and managing risks carefully, DB stays on track with its €45bn funding request until 2027, submitted to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). The Riedbahn is DB’s pilot project for the renovation of 40 railway sections in Germany by 2030. [102] Germany – Photo Special in Dortmund On Saturday 16 March 2024 The Münsterland Rail Transport Working Group are operating a photo charter using a railbus around a large part of the Dortmund Railway Port. Details here: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=fed0180636&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msgf:1790502436777255640&th=18d9247ad19462d8&view=att&disp=safe [103] Germany – Preßnitztalbahn Extending (Slowly)
From 1892 to 1984 the Preßnitztalbahn connected the cities and communities between Wolkenstein and Jöhstadt but despite all efforts at the end of the 1980s the line closed completely and the tracks were removed. Given that the valleys of the Preßnitz and Schwarzwasser are important scenic attractions it is scarcely surprising that the southern part of the line between Jöhstadt and Steinbach was rebuilt as a 10 km heritage railway in the 1990s. The ambition, fully supported by the local communities, is to rebuild the entire line but, given the distance involved, an incremental approach has to be adopted. Fortunately the line was never released from operational use, so there is an unrestricted right to operate a railway line. The reconstruction of Oberschmiedeberg station and a short section of track have now been completed and the decision of the State Commissioner for Railway Supervision dated 21 December 2023 gave permission to start operations at Oberschmiedeberg station. This is the first stage of the expansion of the existing museum railway line to include the section from Oberschmiedeberg to Oberschaar (km 13.3+82 to 14.6+99) by 2030. Construction work on extending the line began in autumn 2022, but there are challenges ahead. First the Mühlgraben Bridge must be crossed and then a road crossing and finally a bridge structure across the Preßnitz must be built. [104] Italy – Circumetnea Railway to Be Cut From 01 June 2024, the 41 km Ferrovia Circumetnea route from Catania Borgo to Adrano will be closed, probably permanently, and replaced by buses until work on the new, almost entirely underground metro line is completed. The reason is simple. If work does not begin by 01 June 2024, the FCE will lose its funding, so in order to set up the first construction sites, the current railway line will have to be closed and some of the tracks will have to be removed. The northern part of the line from Adrano to Randazzo will remain open, but with more difficult connections traffic will inevitably reduce and the lines viability will be decreased. A visit before June 2024 is strongly recommended. [105] Italy – RFI Invests €85mn in Umbria for Railway Renovation The construction works have begun for the railway line between Perugia Ponte San Giovanni and Terni via Bastia Umbra and Trevi, marking a significant step forward in the infrastructure development of the region. With an investment of approximately €85mn, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the project aims to revamp the railway infrastructure along this route. The scheduled completion date for the works is December 2024. The launch of the construction activities was officially announced on 08 February 2024, in the presence of key dignitaries including Matteo Salvini, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Donatella
Tesei, President of the Umbria Region, Enrico Melasecche, Regional Transport Councillor, and Gianpiero Strisciuglio, CEO and General Manager of RFI, the leading company of the FS Group’s Infrastructure Division. The project encompasses approximately 85 km of railway lines and involves the removal and replacement of existing tracks, switches, and ballast. About 200 km of rails, 180,000 sleepers, 250,000m3 of ballast will be renewed. The construction will commence from the Perugia Ponte San Giovanni station towards Terni, with most of the work scheduled during daylight hours, progressing at a rate of 500 to 1000 meters per day. Approximately 120 technicians and workers from RFI and contracted firms will be engaged in the daily operations. Following the current construction phase, upcoming interventions will focus on civil works maintenance and technological upgrades including the implementation of the European Rail Transport Management System (ERTMS), refurbishment of the train power supply line and enhancements to passenger information systems at stations. This phase is expected to conclude by June 2026. The railway line spans across the territories of Terni and Perugia, touching the province of Arezzo, covering a total distance of 153 km between the stations of San Sepolcro, Perugia P.S.G., and Terni. RFI took over the management of this infrastructure in 2017, succeeding the previous railway operator. In September 2017, train services across the entire network were suspended. The Umbertide – Città di Castello route and the Perugia PSG – Perugia S. Anna branch had already been closed in September 2015 and February 2017, respectively. Since 2019, with Rete Ferroviaria Italiana assuming management of the infrastructure, following an agreement between the Umbria Region, Umbria TPL, and Mobilità, efforts have been underway to reactivate services along the Città di Castello – Perugia P.S.G. and the branch towards Perugia S. Anna. The ongoing interventions include technological upgrades on the operational stretch between Perugia P.S.G. and Città di Castello, along with the electrification of the Perugia P.S.G. – Perugia S. Anna line leading to the Acropolis. [106] Italy – Termoli - Campobasso Probably With No Service Until 2033 The Molise region has signed a contract with Trenitalia for regional services until 2033, where it is explicitly mentioned that Termoli – Campobasso has no expected service (probably because of the cost of that service). So, unless the region changes its mind in the future (and pays for the additional
trains), it is quite unlikely to see any service on that line before 2033 (and even after that year there is no guarantee of the line reopening). The somewhat good news is that the line is still being modernised (and electrified), which means that when those interventions are completed (around 2026) there might be some pressure to reinstate a service. [107] Lithuania/Latvia – Šiauliai - Jelgava Cross-Border Route Reopens Operated by the LTG Group, this cross-border route has reopened with a daily service operating between the two capitals leaving Vilnius 06:30, arriving Rīga 10:43 then departing Rīga 15:28 and arriving Vilnius 19:51. There are stops at Kaišiadorys, Šiauliai, Joniskis and Jelgava. More information and the exact timetable are available at https://ltglink.lt/vilnius-ryga. The Pesa 730 ML diesel multiple unit used has over 142 seats and 4 bike racks. Interrail will be recognised though whether a seat reservation (€5) is possible or mandatory is not clear from the published information. It is expected that a train connection to Tallinn will be added in the future. [108] Luxembourg – CFL Unveils Plans for 2024 CFL (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois) has revealed its infrastructure, maintenance, and upgrade programme for 2024. “The new record number of passengers on our trains in 2023, 28.7 million, encourages us to continue our efforts to modernise, with the ambition of being the first choice for the public when it comes to transport,” says Marc Wengler, Chief Executive Officer of CFL. CFL’s efforts to enhance railway infrastructure include the addition of new capacities such as extended platforms and tracks at strategic stations across the network, enabling the operation of longer trains with increased seating capacity (up to 9 cars). They are also establishing multimodal exchange hubs throughout the country, optimising traffic flow at relevant stations by reducing trains crossing from different lines and relieving congestion on heavily travelled sections. The transformation of Rodange station into a multimodal exchange hub for the southwest region nears completion, with upgrades including additional platforms and realigned tracks to improve operational efficiency and punctuality. The evolution of Howald station into a strategic multimodal
hub for western Luxembourg City is also ongoing and includes the construction of additional platforms and tracks to accommodate increased traffic demand. In 2024, CFL will proceed with the renewal of 21.6 km of track (including 5 km between Mamer and Bertrange), and the laying of 33,900 sleepers and 54 points. Construction progresses on the new Luxembourg – Bettembourg line, which promises a 50% increase in seating capacity and improved service frequency upon completion in 2028. The introduction of the “Info Travaux” interactive tool on CFL’s website and mobile app provides customers with personalised updates on construction activities and their impact on travel plans. Continuing its commitment to safety, CFL is pressing forward with their level crossing (PN = Passage à Niveau) removal programme. These crossings remain potentially hazardous points where road and rail networks intersect. On average, CFL eliminates one to two level crossings per year. In 2023, crossings like PN 20b in Lorentzweiler were removed, with barrier-free access ensured through lift installation at the Lorentzweiler stop. A temporary footbridge was also erected at PN118a, slated for removal in 2024. As of 31 December 2023, there were 112 level crossings. In 2024, CFL plans to eliminate two more crossings, PN 117 and PN 118a in Colmar-Usines, enhancing access security for local industry and surrounding infrastructure. [109] Poland – Grodzisk Wielkopolski to Kościan Draisine Route Threatened Draisine trips have been organised for two decades by the Grodziska Kolej Drezynowa (GKD) club based at Ujazd Wielkopolski station and a trip by members was reported several years ago. Now the municipality of Kamieniec is considering partial conversion into a cycle path at Sepno, effectively severing the route. [110] Poland – Line 253 Gryfów Śl. to Świeradów Zdrój Reopens This 17 km branch line in Lower Silesia in the foothills of the Jizera Mountains reopened on 09 December 2023 with a well-attended opening ceremony including an orchestra! Scheduled services started the next day with nine train pairs and a 20 minute journey time. A few trains start/finish at Görlitz. Świeradów Zdrój is one of the most famous health resorts in Lower Silesia for tourists, skiers and spa guests and there are free buses from the railway station to any hotel or Sanatorium. According to the mayor, the city is visited by a million people every year. The number would be much
higher if the line continued once again into the Czech Republic, closed since 1945. The Lower Silesian Voivodship would like to restore the cross border connection, but at present free public transport in the city also includes bus Line 1 to Nové Město pod Smrkem, though only at weekends four times a day. There is also bus 691 to/from Zittau if a fast escape to Germany is required. [111] Poland – Narrow Gauge Heritage Line Reopens A section of the lengthy (42 km long) Przeworsk Wąsk to Dynow heritage line was washed out by flooding in 2020 but after extensive repairs the line was reopened in the 4th quarter of 2023, so Przeworsk – Dynów train services, generally one in each direction on Saturdays only, will resume in spring 2024. [112] Portugal – Aveiro to Espinho At the beginning of November 2023, the Portuguese road and rail infrastructure operator Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) was authorised by the government to provide a €4.9mn project for the renovation of the 30 km long section from Oliveira de Azeméis to Sernada do Vouga. This middle section of the only remaining metre-gauge line in the country (the 99 km long “Linha do Vouga” from Aveiro to Espinho) was closed on 01 November 2013 due to the unsatisfactory condition of the infrastructure and replaced by two daily taxi rides. The only use was transfer journeys of the railcars in the Espinho to Oliveira de Azeméis section to the workshops at Sernada do Vouga. The work includes the renovation of the superstructure with the replacement of rails, sleepers and ballast as well as the automation of level crossings. [113] Portugal – Procurement of Broad Gauge High Speed Line Begins Tenders have been called for the starter section of the proposed high speed corridor between Lisboa and Porto. The first tenders cover Stage 1 between Porto and Oiã near Aveiro. Infrastructure manager Infraestruturas de Portugal held a ceremony at its headquarters at Almada on 12 January attended by Prime Minister António Costa and board members from IP and national operator Comboios de Portugal.
The Porto – Lisboa high speed programme is to be delivered in three phases. The first covers the 143 km between Porto and Soure and is expected to cost around €3.7bn, of which €729mn is being covered from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility. This first phase is itself divided into two lots, with the 71 km between Porto and Oiã estimated to cost €1.9bn and the 72 km between Aveiro and Soure put at €1.7bn. At its northern end, the line would serve Porto Campanhã and Porto’s Vila Nova de Gaia district with an underground station in Santo Ovídio that will be served by the Metro do Porto light rail network. Aveiro and Coimbra stations on the existing north-south main line would be redeveloped to enable high speed services to call; the plans envisage construction of a 17 km link from Aveiro to meet the new alignment at Canelas. In addition, an additional road and rail bridge would be built between Porto and Gaia. Under current plans, the first section of the new line would be completed by 2028 and the travel time between the country’s two largest cities would be cut from the current 2 hours 50 minutes to less than 2 hours. The second phase between Soure and Carregado near Lisboa has an estimated cost of €1.5bn with completion scheduled for the end of 2030. This element of the scheme would also include quadrupling of the existing railway between Castanheira do Ribatejo and Alverca. The third phase of the high speed line would be developed between Carregado and Lisboa after 2030, reducing the Porto – Lisboa journey time to 1 hour 15 minutes. Total investment is estimated at €4.5bn. The high speed corridor will be double track and built to the Iberian 1668mm gauge. The total planned route length is 290 km and the alignment is being designed for operation at up to 300 km/h. Development of a new alignment is being mainly driven by capacity constraints on the existing line, which is used by 90% of freight trains moving in Portugal, while around 50% of all CP passenger services use some or all of the route between Porto Campanhã and Lisboa Oriente. IP says the scheme will enable modal shift equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 5.1 million tonnes by 2060. The first lot of Stage 1 between Porto and Oiã has already received planning approval from the Portuguese Environment Agency. According to IP, a PPP procurement model is envisaged; five expressions of interest from international consortia have been received and formal bids must be lodged by 13 June. The winning bidder will be responsible for the planning, designing, financing, building and maintaining the railway under a 30-year concession. This will give the concessionaire five years for construction and 25 years to manage the new infrastructure. After this period, the assets would revert to government ownership.
[114] Romania – Bids Received for Rail Connection to Timişoara Airport The contract includes the modernisation of the 5.2 km of the southern end of the existing line from Timişoara Est to Radna and the construction of an electrified double track railway line (from the connection point) to the Airport, with a total length of 5 km as well as the construction of new stations. The period of design and execution of the works will be 30 months, of which eight months for the elaboration of the technical project and 22 months for the execution of the works. [115] Romania – București to Giurgiu Reopening Getting Closer The Secretary of State in the Ministry of Transport, Ionuț Săvoiu, has announced that the works are 93% complete. "The tests will start at the beginning of May and will last two to three weeks, so that at the end of June it will be possible to travel with passengers. The journey time from Giurgiu to Progresu Station (in the south of București) will be 50 minutes and from there to the Gara Nord station it will take another 30 minutes." [116] Romania – Line 303, I.L. Caragiale to Moreni This 17.5 km branch line between Târgoviște and Ploiești was closed 13 years ago, but is to be reopened to serve the Moreni Industrial Park and defence industry. The production of armoured personnel carriers by SC Automecanica Moreni SA, Romania's only military vehicle manufacturer, is considered strategically important. Ploiești Sud station The line was built in 1946 mainly as a connection for the mining company Filipestii de Pădure and the city of Moreni. Until 2000 mixed freight services ran, but first for passengers, then for freight the
service ended. Due to numerous thefts over the course of 2010 the section from Dițești to Moreni was dismantled. [117] Romania – Line 512, Leorda to Dorohoi This line closed on 01 July 2021 due to staff shortages and lack of traffic, but the situation has changed with grain from Ukraine arriving by lorry and being transferred to rail in Dorohoi. Renovation of the route was completed in September 2023 since when transhipment of the grain has taken place in Leorda station. [118] Romania – Timetable 218, Timişoara North - Cenad The Sânnicolau Mare to Cenad section has had no trains due to ‘deficiencies’ since 24 October 2023. Nevertheless the current timetable has a service reduction from three down to two train pairs daily. This must be one of the most threatened lines in Romania. [119] Spain – Alsa Special trains from Madrid The Association of Friends of the Madrid Railway have published their plan of special trains for the first half of 2024. See: https://www.aafmadrid.es/2024-a-todo-tren-calendario-de-viajes-para-el-primer-semestre/ [120] Spain – Valladolid to Be Transformed into Major Rail Hub by 2026 Construction works on a rail terminal in Valladolid will be finished by 2026. The works will provide the city with a freight terminal, a rail technology centre and a maintenance hub. The project will turn Valladolid into a major rail hub on the TEN-T Atlantic Corridor. Spanish railway infrastructure administrator ADIF put out a tender for construction contracts amounting to almost €72mn in June 2023. It awarded the contracts for the final stages of the project in December, with a final amount of slightly over €60mn. If all goes according to plan, the construction works will last for another 27 months. Spain eyes a summer 2026 opening for the new hub on the TEN-T Atlantic Corridor. Valladolid Campo Grande station The project aims to turn Valladolid into a major rail and innovation hub, only second in northern Spain after Zaragoza. The rail hub will include a freight terminal, a rail technology centre as well as a
maintenance hub. The rail technology centre is to be managed by Redalsa, an ADIF subsidiary. Additionally, the 230,000m2 complex will feature seven tracks to facilitate 750-metre trains. Currently, construction is ongoing for a railway that bypasses Valladolid on its eastern side. The ‘Eastern Variant’ standard gauge railway will channel freight trains on the Madrid – Hendaye (France) line. The Eastern Variant will also link up to the new rail hub. Subsequently, the new rail hub allows the city to move its spread-out rail facilities to a concentrated area outside of the city. Freight trains will also no longer need to run through the city’s urban Campo Grande station, speeding up both freight and passenger traffic around the city. [121] Switzerland – KBS 2840 Linthal Braunwaldbahn - Braunwald The car-free resort of Braunwald is accessible only by a metre gauge funicular at present and recently planned maintenance on the Braunwaldbahn meant a helicopter replacement service had to be used, which must have been expensive! In 2023, the cantonal government committed to building a new funicular, a gondola option being far more expensive. Planning and implementation will take a minimum of six years. The current funicular from the Linthal Valley Station rises 580 metres to 1254 metres above sea level and transports 400,000 to 500,000 passenger a year plus 6,000 tonnes of goods. After a planned renovation at the end of 2024, the existing funicular is expected to remain in operation until 2035 when the license expires. [122] Switzerland – Othmarsingen Avoiding Line On 07, 20, 21, 27, 28 April 2024 S23 services will be diverted and run direct from Brugg AG to Mägenwil. These will be the first passenger services over the Othmarsingen avoiding line which opened only in December 2023. [123] Ukraine – Russia Building Bizarre 30 Kilometre Train Fortification Russia is building a bizarre train fortification in Ukraine. The fortification consists of over 2000 freight wagons and stretches over 30 km. The train, possibly aimed at stopping future Ukrainian assaults, is dubbed the ‘tsar train’.
Satellite imagery indicates that Russia has been working on the train fortification for the past nine months. The fortification is being constructed south of Donetsk city in Ukraine’s southeast. The structure is currently located 6 km behind the front line. On 11 February, a Ukrainian source reported that Russia had gathered approximately 2100 freight wagons to be used as fortifications. The works on the bizarre train started in July 2023 and continue until this day. The source explained that it is difficult to assess the fortification effectiveness of the bizarrely long train, but that it is most likely difficult to damage and break through it. Russia started building major fortification lines in anticipation of Ukraine’s counter-offensive in the summer of 2023. The fortifications have proved to be a major headache in Ukraine’s effort to liberate its territories, and it is likely that the ‘tsar train’ functions as a part of the wider defence infrastructure built by Russia. REST OF THE WORLD [124] Iraq – Tendering Starts for غداد ب) Baghdad) Metro The National Investment Commission (NIC) of Iraq has started tendering for a programme to build a seven-line driverless metro network in Baghdad totalling 148 km. Potential bidders have been invited to purchase official tendering documentation from NIC, priced at د.ع100mn (€71), within a 30-day period ending on 12 March. The project is being taken forward on a design, build, operate, maintain, finance and transfer (DBOMFT) basis and bids must be submitted by 11 April. Bidders must provide an economic feasibility study, a funding plan, a timetable for completing the metro network and details of similar projects executed by the bidder or its partners. The new driverless metro network is intended to reduce traffic congestion in Baghdad According to NIC, the driverless Baghdad metro would serve a total of 64 stations, involving the construction of underground, surface and elevated sections. The seven proposed lines are as follows: Green Line: Al Alawi – Doura (19 km) Red Line: Al Alawi – Maisaloun Square (27.7 km) Blue Line: Al Shaab – Al Zuafaraniya (22 km)
Purple Line: Al Tayaran Square – Al Shaab (14.5 km) Yellow Line: Al Baladiyat – Adan Square (30 km) White Line: Al Kadhimiya – Al Bayaa (23 km) Airport Line: Baghdad Airport – Al Qadisiya (12 km). The project also involves the construction of four train maintenance workshops and depots, two control centres and power stations. On rolling stock, NIC says that each train must include a “gold class” car, as well as one for the exclusive use of women and children and one for tourists. All cars must be accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. The planned Baghdad metro would serve newly-built communities and play an important role in reducing traffic congestion. NIC chairman, Dr Haider Makiya, also announced the start of tendering on 12 February for a 90 km electrified line between Najaf International Airport and Karbala, with intermediate stations in the centre of Najaf and at Karbala International Airport. According to NIC, the new line is intended to provide safe and fast mass transport for the large number of pilgrims travelling to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. The project is also being taken forward on a DBOMFT basis and tendering will be conducted to the same timetable as that for the Baghdad metro. [125] Liberia/Guinea – New Railway Connection The government of Liberia has signed a letter of intent with High Power Exploration (HPX) and Guma Africa Group to enter into negotiations over the joint development of the Liberty Corridor connecting Guinea and Liberia. This will include a new railway connecting Guinea with a new deep-water port at Didia in Liberia. The three project partners have begun exclusive negotiations, which over a 30-day period will aim to conclude a final framework agreement to design, finance and develop the Liberty Corridor and grant operating rights. This negotiation period can be extended, and once the framework agreement has been concluded it will be presented to the Liberian legislature for ratification. HPX is a US-based mining development company currently focused on expanding production at its high-grade, long-life iron ore mine in the Lola region of south-eastern Guinea. The letter of intent was signed in Liberia's capital, Monrovia, on 09 February [Photo: The Presidency of the Republic of Liberia]
The company says that the Liberty Corridor, including a new multi-user heavy haul railway, will involve investment estimated at $US3-5bn (€2.8-4.6bn). This has the potential to transform the mineral-rich Nimba region, while stimulating mining activity as well as agriculture, manufacturing, health and education, creating sustainable jobs and dramatically improve the quality of life for the region’s inhabitants. The Liberty Corridor will be a world class infrastructure development that will include a brand new rail system constructed within the existing Yekepa – Buchanan infrastructure corridor. [126] South Korea – Hydrogen Light Rail Project Moves Forward The city of Ulsan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) to co-operate in the project to build the world’s first light rail line operated with hydrogen-powered LRVs. The signing ceremony took place on 09 February and was attended by Ulsan mayor, Kim Doo-Gyum and KRRI president, Han Seok-Yoon. Under the agreement, KRRI will provide support throughout the project, including specialist consultancy, for up to 12 months after the line opens. The line will be the city’s first rapid transit line. The City of Ulsan says the project is budgeted at ₩328bn (€230mn), 60% of which will be funded by central government and 40% provided locally. The 11 km route will run from Taehwagang station to Sinbok Intersection with 15 stops. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the opening planned for 2029. A feasibility study for the line was undertaken by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and was approved in August 2023. In November the project moved into a subsequent feasibility, assessment and planning phase, with a review into the customer experience of the light rail interchange at Taehwagang station currently underway. The MoU is another milestone for the project aimed at bringing hydrogen-powered LRVs to the city, located on the southeast coast of Korea. Ulsan signed an MoU with Hyundai Rotem in 2020 and the manufacturer has been testing the LRVs on disused tracks near Taehwagang station since 2022. In mid-November 2023, 200 passengers rode five-section LRVs for 4 km during an official demonstration event. The LRVs operate at a top speed of 40 km/h and have a range of 200 km before they require refuelling.
[127] Türkiye – 2024 Rail Investment The government has announced a 2024 rail programme which includes continued high levels of investment in both infrastructure and operations, and in the domestic design and manufacture of rail vehicles. Infrastructure manager TCDD has been allocated ₺49·4bn (€1.5bn) towards its portfolio of agreed capital expenditure which is valued at ₺554·3bn (€16.7bn) under its current long-term funding agreement. The 2024 allocations include: ₺4·3bn (€1.3mn) for final works on the 433 km Ankara – İstanbul high speed line ₺6·1bn (€1.8mn) for civil works for the 498 km Ankara – İzmir high speed line, which is now due for completion in 2026 ₺6·4bn (€1.9mn) for train control systems and related consultancy services for the 153 km Halkalı – Kapıküle high speed line ₺15·8bn (€4.8mn) for electrification, signalling and civil works covering 2270 km of existing route. This latter package covers numerous routes, including the 315 km line between Bandırma and Manısa, the 415 km between Manisa and Afyon, and a further 415 km between Irmak and Zonguldak. Enhancements are also planned for the Torbalı – Tire, Alayunt – Konya, Malatya – Elâzığ, Tepeköy – Selçuk Yolçatı – Diyarbakir – Kurtulan – Mazıdağ and Malatya – Elâzığ routes. The funding round includes contributions worth ₺3·8bn (€1.1mn) for construction of new double track alignments totalling 131 route-km. The new lines include a 56 km link between Gaziantep and the Syrian border, 63 km between Murşitpınar and Şanliurfa, 11.8 km between Sincan Industrial Zone and Kazan, and the 17·4 km first phase of the Konyaray suburban rail line. High Speed Rail taking shape in Türkiye The government has allocated a further ₺3·47bn (€1mn) for civils, electrification and resignalling of the 42·5 km route between Adana and Gaziantep, while ₺7bn (€2.1mn) is allocated towards design work and early construction in the corridor linking Konya, Karaman, Niğde, Mersin and Adana. These routes total approximately 313 km.
[128] USA – Amtrak Awards Construction Contract for Frederick Douglass Tunnel Amtrak has awarded a contract to Kiewit/J.F. Shea Joint Venture to build the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore. The new passenger rail tunnel will serve electrified Amtrak and MARC commuter trains with two parallel, single-track tunnel tubes, each approximately 3 km long. This new infrastructure will support significantly faster travel speeds than the existing B&P Tunnel, where trains are currently limited to a maximum of 50 km/h. The future Frederick Douglass Tunnel with electric trains [Photo: Amtrak] This investment is at the centre of Amtrak’s ‘Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program’, which will modernise approximately 16 km of the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The programme is already underway, with construction set to begin on the new tunnel in 2026. The overall programme is expected to be completed in 2035 and will be delivered through three major construction contracts. These include: Replacing five roadway and rail bridges; building new rail infrastructure such as interlockings, tracks and catenary; and constructing a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC Station Building the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Fitting the new tunnel with tracks, rail systems and ventilation facilities. [129] USA – Seattle Light Rail Update Sound Transit will open a new line between Bellevue and Redmond this spring. Light rail service to Mercer Island and Bellevue was supposed to start in 2023 but construction delays have pushed the date to 2025. However, a shorter line will open this year on the Eastside. The full East Link route in 2025 will serve Seattle’s Judkins Park, Mercer Island, Redmond and other stations in Bellevue. In Lynnwood, a light rail line north will open this autumn and will include four stations. Two stations will be in Shoreline with one station located in Mountlake Terrace and one in Lynnwood. The stations will connect to Sea-Tac Airport. Back in 2008, light rail to Federal Way was part of the Sound Transit 2 ballot measure that voters approved. According to the report, this is supposed to be open by 2026. It will include new stations in Kent, Star Lake, and downtown Federal Way. In West Seattle, the report says the schedule is “less firm with the rest of the planned projects.” These projects are reportedly funded through a $54bn (€50.1bn) Sound Transit 3 ballot measure that voters approved back in 2016. The service will connect West Seattle’s Alaska Junction neighbourhood to SoDo and would start in 2032. Currently, the project is undergoing an environmental review.
Service from Ballard to downtown Seattle should begin starting 2039, but a debate is “underway about where to place proposed stations around the Chinatown-International District (CID).” The two options are: A new station north of the CID and a second station south of the neighbourhood that the mayor and Sound Transit board have both said they preferred A new station near Madison Street/First Hill (Midtown station) and a second at Fourth and Jackson.