All In depth articles – Page 3
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In depthInterview: Heavy haul line expands Mongolia’s rail capacity
Interviewed about the challenges of building a heavy haul freight line through the Gobi Desert, CEO of Bodi International Dolgormaa Bukhbat highlights the harsh Mongolian climate and the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on logistics and construction.
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In depthTraction Technology: The weak case for hydrogen
Reinhard Christeller examines the state of the art for using hydrogen in rail traction, and finds that the case for widespread adoption is weak, even if emerging ‘white hydrogen’ fuel holds more potential.
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In depthComment: Rail is resurgent despite turbulent times
While emerging markets have long held promise, rail investment is now happening in countries where even in the recent past it would have seemed implausible. Nick Kingsley highlights examples from Iraq to Mongolia.
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In depthChina: Metro networks grow in 14 cities
More than 300 km of new metro lines and extensions were commissioned in China during December 2023, with the completion of 19 projects in 14 cities. This meant that by the beginning of 2024, Chinese cities accounted for nine of the world’s 10 largest networks. Toma Bačić rounds up the latest additions.
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In depthChina: Water Rabbit delivers network growth
More than 3 500 km of new railway was opened in China during 2023, expanding the national network to almost 160 000 route-km. Toma Bačić reviews recent developments.
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In depthHigh Speed: FRA grant kick-starts Brightline West
Construction of a high speed inter-city passenger railway in the congested corridor between Las Vegas and Southern California is expected to get underway this year, following the approval of federal funding for the Brightline West project. Dave Lustig investigates.
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In depthIran: International connections take shape slowly
Work is progressing on various cross-border rail links as Iranian Railways seeks to strengthen its role as a Eurasian rail hub. Toma Bačić investigates.
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In depthMiddle East: Visions of an inter-continental corridor
Proposals for the development of an India – Middle East – Europe ‘economic corridor’ were announced at the G20 summit in September 2023, but many questions remain about how the project might be implemented. Raghu Dayal investigates.
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In depthIndia: Digital modelling supports Delhi metro extension
Delhi Metro Rail Corp has used Bentley Systems software to model the design of a complex section of underground alignment being built under the network’s Phase IV expansion.
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In depthIndia: Maintaining the metro momentum
By February 2026, Mumbai hopes to have more than doubled its metro network, while Indore, Bhopal and Patna are set to open their first lines. A landmark of India’s ongoing metro boom is the imminent opening of the Agra metro, the first tranche of which will serve the Taj Mahal. Benjámin Zelki looks ahead.
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In depthUSA: Manhattan congestion charge is key to New York investment
New York MTA hopes its congestion charging scheme will go live in mid-2024, which could provide a revenue stream to kick-start investment in renewal and expansion of the Subway network, as Benjámin Zelki and Nick Kingsley explain.
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In depthMarket Analysis: Driverless metro market set to surge
A projected boom in fully automated metro projects over the next decade offers valuable business opportunities, believes management consultancy Roland Berger.
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In depthTrack Design: Introducing J-slab to India
Work has started on the installation of ballastless track on the Mumbai – Ahmedabad high speed line, marking the first application of J-slab technology in India. Two local production plants have been developed with support from Japanese consultants. Benjámin Zelki investigates.
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In depthAutomation: Robel embraces robots
Robotics and automation are driving the development of the next generation of Robel’s track maintenance and measuring technology. Nick Kingsley reports from Freilassing.
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In depthEurope: Overnight trains are back in vogue
With the launch of next-generation rolling stock on ÖBB’s international overnight trains and the revival of a Paris – Berlin service, the stage is set for a night train renaissance in Europe. Toma Bačić reports.
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In depthTrack Maintenance: Modular welding offers smoother running
Following service testing with the latest evolution of its proven APT 1500 R flash-butt welding head, Plasser & Theurer is now developing a modular range of carrier vehicles to optimise both design and utilisation.
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In depthTrack Maintenance: Intelligent wheel-rail conditioning can reduce noise and wear
Advances in the control of wheel-rail conditioning are helping to facilitate a transition from stand-alone wayside and onboard applicators to an intelligent network that continually optimises the management of both friction and noise.
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In depthBrazil: São Paulo stands out in uneven picture
Metro, monorail and suburban rail extensions totalling 39km are now being built in São Paulo, but several of the other fastest-growing Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro, have no major projects currently under way, despite optimism among suppliers. Benjámin Zelki reports.
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In depthBrazil: National Railway Plan will reset project agenda
Government efforts to inject fresh impetus into the rail business and increase its share of the freight market continue, but reliance is being placed on the private sector to fund new projects. Murray Hughes reports.
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In depthComment: A long way from København
Comparing COP15 in København to the recent COP28 summit in Dubai reveals a shift in the visibility of rail in climate discussions. Nick Kingsley reflects on COP28’s commitment to the transition away from fossil fuels and how addressing transport pollution remains an urgent challenge.