New Statesman’s Post

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Rail infrastructure projects have the potential to transform the cities and towns.

High-speed rail has been investigated in Australia since the 1980s, but funding and successive governments have remained key obstacles to the concept. For decades it has been the focus of University of Wollongong researcher Philip Laird. "Australia is probably a world leader for studies into fast rail without any construction," Associate Professor Laird said. "$150 million in today's dollars have been spent to date on studies just on high-speed rail, which is 250 kilometres per hour or faster." Before the 2022 federal election, Labor leader Anthony Albanese pledged $500 million for a fast-rail project in his first budget. The government established the High Speed Rail Authority to prioritise the Newcastle to Sydney section of the network as part of the funding commitment. High Speed Rail Authority acting chief executive Andrew Hyles told a recent infrastructure summit that doing nothing on the corridor was not an option.  "The Sydney to Newcastle corridor has the largest regional passenger volume in Australia," he said.  "The corridor is already at capacity, so there's got to be some kind of solution to that."  The corridor was also a key focus for UK rail expert, Andrew McNaughton, who was appointed by the New South Wales government in 2018 to create the state's first fast-rail strategy. "Newcastle has more potential than any place I've visited around the world of a similar size to become a centre of advanced manufacturing and high skills," Professor McNaughton said. "Sydney and Newcastle will only benefit from working together, but that can't happen if the two regions are three hours apart. "Fast rail will be expensive, yes, but not doing it is expensive."

"Dan Bishop, deputy head of rail at WSP, features in New Statesman, to discuss how rail projects like East West Rail, Crossrail and Highland Spring's rail freight facility can not only support transport connections, but also bring greater economic prosperity and sustainability to the communities they reach 🚆 Read the full piece below 👇" #FutureReady #FutureMobility

SCOTLAND'S RAILWAY- investing over £4bn in a safer railway to help Scotland connect again with confidence. As part of the Scottish Government’s ongoing investment in Scotland’s railways, they have developed a programme of infrastructure improvement options to support the strategic priorities identified by Transport Scotland. This will be a long-term managed plan of deliverable options informed by the industry and with input from local authorities to take account of their development plans. This incremental programme of improvements to the railway will support current and future demand, aligning resources and funds available to deliver the best railway Scotland has ever had. Here are 3 of the biggest projects helping do just that … 1. Glasgow-Barrhead electrification project; electrifying the railway between Barrhead station and Glasgow Central for a greener and more sustainable railway. Engineers have spent the past two years installing 14,400 metres of overhead power cables and renewing 130 metres of track. 2. Levenmouth Rail Link- This £116m Scottish Government-funded project will reconnect Levenmouth in Fife to the railway for the first time in more than 50 years. 3. Upgrading Glasgow and Edinburgh stations- investing more than £5m at Glasgow Central to upgrade the property, including a new layout with more accessibility and new and bigger retail units for more shopping choices. Installation of high-definition customer information screens at Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley. This strategy builds on the unprecedented investment of the period (2014-2019). Through a pipeline of future identified projects, the railway will support Scotland’s social, economic and environmental needs, realising the benefits of rail for communities and businesses across Scotland. #scotland #railindustry #railway #rail #infrastructuredevelopment ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TO BE CONTINUED... Join our ACTIVE GROUPS here on LinkedIn: On Track- Railway Construction, Bridges, Viaducts & Tunnels 🚉 https://lnkd.in/dhkSJd-w 🚈 Middle East & Africa RAIL https://lnkd.in/eqt6ZekM Baltic Build - Northern European Construction Projects 🏗 https://lnkd.in/dwpuSn7M Image Credit- Network Rail

São Paulo state government announces USD 37bn rail program São Paulo’s state government has announced a new program to develop commuter rail projects totaling BRL 194bn (USD 37bn) in capex. Called São Paulo nos Trilhos, the new program aims to tender a group of new PPPs, creating new lines and adding 890 km (553 miles) to the state’s rail network. Governor Tarcísio de Freitas said in a press conference that São Paulo nos Trilhos will focus on the revitalization and modernization of existing lines which have become inoperative across the state. “This will be possible because the state of São Paulo has developed along railways so the layout already exists and we will take advantage of these paths,” he explained. Freitas’s plan is to create a portfolio of projects for the long term and attract new investors to São Paulo. “We recently carried out a road show focusing on European rail companies and we’ll need new players to develop those projects,” he said. hashtag #infraestructure hashtag #rail hashtag #railway hashtag #metro hashtag #trains hashtag #transport hashtag #transportation hashtag #mobility hashtag #urbanmobility hashtag #rollingstock hashtag #passengertransportation hashtag #saopaulo hashtag #brazil hashtag #transportationengineering

While infrastructure upgrades in the rail sector are generally commendable, it's essential to critically assess their impact and effectiveness. Network Rail's recent completion of reliability upgrades at a key London railway junction warrants a closer look to understand the broader implications. 🇬🇧👷♀️ Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3P5Emci Cost vs. Benefit: Are the costs associated with these upgrades justified by the expected improvements in reliability? The rail industry often faces budget constraints, and every investment must be carefully scrutinised. Timeliness: Were these upgrades delivered on schedule, or did they face delays that inconvenienced passengers and disrupted rail services? Timeliness is a critical aspect of any infrastructure project. Passenger Experience: While reliability is crucial, did these upgrades also consider the overall passenger experience? Passengers not only want reliable services but also comfort, accessibility, and modern amenities. Sustainability: Did these upgrades incorporate sustainability measures, such as reducing energy consumption and emissions, to align with broader environmental goals? Future-Proofing: In an era of rapid technological advancement, were these upgrades future-proofed to accommodate emerging innovations in rail technology and passenger expectations? Community Impact: How were local communities affected during the upgrade process, and were their concerns addressed adequately? Economic Impact: While improved reliability can support economic growth, did these upgrades create job opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding areas? Transparency: Were the decision-making processes and financial allocations transparent, allowing stakeholders to assess the value and necessity of these upgrades? While acknowledging the importance of reliability in the rail industry, it's crucial to approach infrastructure upgrades with a critical lens. This perspective ensures that investments are optimised to benefit passengers, communities, and the broader economy while aligning with sustainability and innovation goals. What are your thoughts on these questions? How can the rail industry strike the right balance between reliability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in infrastructure projects like these? Join the conversation. #RailwayUpgrades #InfrastructureInvestment #PassengerExperience #Sustainability #NetworkRail

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥? 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐁'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 Deutsche Bahn's (DB) investment of 7.6 billion euros in German rail infrastructure in 2023 is more than just a financial commitment; it's a catalyst for reflection and innovation in the railway industry. As we ponder the implications of DB's record investment, it prompts us to reevaluate our approach to railway development and investment strategies. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐁'𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐬? Firstly, DB's investment underscores the fundamental importance of robust railway infrastructure in driving economic growth and connectivity. It challenges us to prioritize infrastructure investment as a cornerstone of sustainable development, recognizing railways as catalysts for regional prosperity and job creation. Moreover, DB's initiative highlights the critical role of #visionary #leadership in driving #transformative #change. It prompts us to ask ourselves: 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡?  𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙨 𝙦𝙪𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮? DB's record investment also underscores the need for #collaboration and #partnership in advancing railway development. It encourages us to forge stronger #alliances with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to mobilize resources and expertise towards common goals. Furthermore, DB's focus on #modernization and #innovation reminds us of the importance of embracing #digitalization and #technology-#driven #solutions in railway operations. 𝘐𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘢, 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺, 𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. As we reflect on DB's historic investment, let us not merely admire its magnitude but instead, let us use it as a springboard for introspection and action. Let us reimagine the future of rail, guided by the principles of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, to create a railway ecosystem that truly serves the needs of society. What lessons do you think the railway industry can learn from DB's bold investment? Share your thoughts in the comments below. DB Netz AG, DB Engineering & Consulting, Deutsche Bahn Connect GmbH #RailwayDevelopment #InfrastructureInvestment #InnovationInRailways #SustainableTransport #DBRailwayInvestment

🚄 Opinion: High-Speed Rail Project: On the Brink of a Breakthrough? In 2021, plans for a new high-speed rail project were scrapped. Since then, the government has wrapped up the initial inquiry phase, and they're on the verge of deciding whether to restart construction. Public opinion is sharply divided on this issue, as follow: #Concerns: Some experts are cautious, focusing on the economics—high initial costs and the challenge of achieving financial viability without ongoing government support. They highlight the importance of careful planning to avoid potential financial pitfalls associated with large-scale infrastructure projects. #Support: Others are enthusiastic about the potential economic boost and skill development opportunities that could come from such a monumental project. They argue that benefits like enhanced transportation integration, urban-rural connectivity, and regional cooperation could outweigh initial costs. Government Stance: Since 2022, the unity government has been clear (or not?): it supports private-sector involvement but is not committing public funds for construction costs. The door is open, however, for discussions about possible financial incentives or support measures that could help make the project feasible. The Broader Impact: Beyond the tracks, the high-speed rail could reshape local economies and communities. The real value might lie in how it transforms surrounding areas, providing new opportunities for growth and development. It’s crucial we consider all stakeholders—ensuring the project not only advances technological and economic fronts but also aligns with community needs and sustainability goals. Let’s keep the dialogue open and constructive. The goal? A high-speed rail that benefits all, driving progress without leaving anyone behind. #HighSpeedRail #Infrastructure #EconomicDevelopment #Sustainability #PublicPolicy https://lnkd.in/ghcY2TeP

The Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds and higher service frequencies. Furthermore, the vision involves the construction of new rail lines, particularly in the North Midlands and North West, widening accessibility and connectivity. Translink Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail Department for Infrastructure Department for the Economy NI CIPS - The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply #rail #infrastructure #netzero #fleet #procurement