Ricardo Sanchez’s Post

🚄 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

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

#HighSpeedRail // The ARA welcomes the Australian Government’s recent commitment of $78.8 million to the High Speed Rail Authority to deliver the initial Sydney to Newcastle high speed rail business case. High Speed Rail has brought significant environmental, social and economic benefits to communities across the world and Australia will be no different. Rail is at the heart of Australia’s decarbonisation journey and key to achieving our Net Zero target. Faster rail in regional Australia, which is slow by world standards, is long overdue and is hampering the potential for the east coast's sustainable development. It has been shown overseas that small travel time improvements can have a significant impact on increasing patronage and supporting the economies and communities of cities. The ARA is looking forward to seeing this significant rail infrastructure get underway. Read media release here: https://lnkd.in/gySEUpSE #netzero #rail #industrynews

Rail Baltica is exploring the introduction of a public-private partnership (PPP) model following the successful funding of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) ... #RailBaltica #Railwayfreight #RailwayInfrastructure

Rail Baltica is exploring the introduction of a public-private partnership (PPP) model following the successful funding of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) ... #RailBaltica #Railwayfreight #RailwayInfrastructure

The High Speed Rail Group has unveiled its latest report, ‘Driving Investment in Rail Infrastructure’. This report urges the government to adopt a whole system approach to #rail, highlighting the critical steps for a long-term strategy that attracts private investment and explores diverse funding options. Neil Henderson FICE CEng, our high speed rail director, explains how new rail infrastructure can drive economic growth, create jobs, connect communities, and provide social and environmental benefits. The UK’s housing-led growth plans require robust #infrastructure. Despite these benefits, the UK falls behind Europe in rail infrastructure development, particularly in the north. The report stresses the need for practical solutions and restoring confidence in the UK’s ability to deliver rail projects efficiently. Read the full report 👇

Portugal is making significant strides in its high-speed rail ambitions with major developments underway. These projects are set to modernize the country’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing connectivity across key regions and promoting sustainable travel. The planned high-speed lines will drastically reduce travel times, making rail a more attractive option for both domestic and international passengers. This investment not only supports Portugal’s economic growth but also aligns with the broader European vision for sustainable and efficient transport. As the projects progress, the future of high-speed rail in Portugal looks promising, positioning the country as a leader in green, modern transportation solutions. #HighSpeedRail #Portugal #SustainableTransport #RailInfrastructure #RailInnovation

The High Speed Rail Group has unveiled its latest report, ‘Driving Investment in Rail Infrastructure’. This report urges the government to adopt a whole system approach to #rail, highlighting the critical steps for a long-term strategy that attracts private investment and explores diverse funding options. Neil Henderson FICE CEng, our high speed rail director, explains how new rail infrastructure can drive economic growth, create jobs, connect communities, and provide social and environmental benefits. The UK’s housing-led growth plans require robust #infrastructure. Despite these benefits, the UK falls behind Europe in rail infrastructure development, particularly in the north. The report stresses the need for practical solutions and restoring confidence in the UK’s ability to deliver rail projects efficiently. Read the full report 👇 #ConnectingTheNorth #MottMac #FutureRail #GlobalRail

#Poland is embarking on an ambitious #megaproject called the Central Communication Port (CPK), which promises to fundamentally transform the country’s #transportation system. The central element of the project is the #construction of a new international airport, Baranów, located near Warsaw. The Prime Minister of Poland confirmed at a press conference that after an audit of the project, the decision was made to #build this #strategically important facility. The new #airport will be integrated into the national #transport network via #highspeed #railway lines, forming a Y-shaped corridor connecting Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław. This will reduce travel time between major cities to 100 minutes, providing convenience and speed in #travel across the country. The project also includes the procurement of more than 100 dual-system high-speed #electric #trains, emphasizing the high level of modernization of the Polish railway network. Instead of the previously planned radial lines leading to the airport, a national railway network model was chosen, allowing for a more efficient and flexible transportation system. The new Baranów airport will become the most modern in #Europe due to its integration with railway and #road #infrastructure. It is planned to be connected with various regions of Poland not only by high-speed railways but also by a developed network of roads, significantly simplifying access to it from any point in the country. The CPK program also includes the development of regional airports, which will contribute to the overall improvement of transport accessibility and connect remote regions with the central hub. The revised project required adjustments to the investment program schedule and #construction timelines. Land acquisition issues are expected to be resolved by the end of 2024, #building permits are planned to be obtained by 2026, construction completion is scheduled for 2031, and the airport’s #commissioning is set for 2032. Total construction costs for the airport up to 2032 will exceed 131 billion Polish zlotys (approximately 32.5 billion US dollars), making it one of the largest infrastructure projects in Poland’s history. This megaproject will not only enhance transportation accessibility within the country but also strengthen Poland’s position on the international stage as a key transport hub in Europe. The infrastructure development envisaged by the CPK program will be an important step towards the modernization and #economic development of Poland, creating new business opportunities and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

In the dynamic field of transport infrastructure, making well-informed investment decisions is essential. The International Transport Forum (ITF) released a discussion paper in 2020 that explores the complexities of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) for road and rail projects. User Profiles and Service Needs Road and rail investments serve different user groups and needs. Road projects generally focus on increasing highway capacity for a wide range of vehicle users. In contrast, rail investments often include improvements in tracks, vehicles, and service frequency, targeting a more specific user base. This distinction requires tailored CBA approaches to accurately reflect the unique benefits and costs of each mode. Value of Time Savings Time savings are critical in CBA and vary between road and rail users. Rail passengers, often from higher income brackets, place a higher value on time savings compared to road users. This difference is crucial in evaluating the benefits of each mode. For instance, rail projects aimed at reducing overcrowding can apply multipliers to the national average value of time savings, capturing the additional benefits of a more comfortable travel experience. Environmental and Congestion Benefits Rail investments can lead to significant mode shift effects, reducing road congestion and environmental impacts. These shifts result in improved air quality, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced road accident rates. Such external benefits are integral to the CBA of rail projects, highlighting their broader societal value. By contrast, road projects fail to offer the same environmental benefits, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors in investment decisions. Social Equity and Accessibility Rail projects often provide greater accessibility to underserved communities, offering reliable and affordable transport, enhancing social inclusion, and economic opportunities. Road projects might primarily benefit those with private vehicles, potentially widening the accessibility gap. Incorporating social equity considerations into CBA ensures transport investments contribute to a more inclusive society. Conclusion CBA is vital for guiding transport investment decisions. Investing in rail infrastructure offers numerous benefits beyond transportation. Rail projects reduce road congestion, lower environmental impacts, and provide reliable travel for passengers and freight. With advantages like reduced travel times, better service quality, and higher passenger capacity, rail is ideal for urban and intercity transport. Prioritizing rail investment fosters economic growth, improves quality of life, and promotes sustainability. Decision-makers should recognize the long-term value and allocate resources to maximize societal benefits. https://lnkd.in/gg3Nc_Xy #rail #road #transportInfrastructure #costbenefitanalysis #governance