News in brief – 16-22 September 2009

RISSB update
The Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) has recently published a Security Handbook providing non-prescriptive guidance on the management of security risks in a rail environment (both urban and non-urban contexts are covered). The Handbook, published in two volumes, provides explanations of processes and activities that can be used to identify and mitigate security risks faced by railway operators. To download the handbook visit: www.rissb.com.au

France’s biggest-ever rail freight investment
The French Government has reportedly announced a plan to invest $11.8 billion in rail freight transport infrastructure over the next ten years – France’s biggest-ever rail freight investment program. The plan, 'Freight for the future', plans to grow the freight business of state-owned railway SNCF to 25 per cent of the overall railway by 2022, an increase from the current 14 per cent, it was reported.
Of the total investment, the government will reportedly spend $10.3bn and the remaining $1.5bn would come from SNCF.

India to invest $41b in metros over next 10 years
The Indian Government has reportedly allocated Rs200,000 crore (approximately US$41 billion ) for metro rail expansion across the country over the next ten years.
There are already ongoing or planned metro projects in the cities of Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.
New projects to be undertaken in eight more cities include Pune, Lucknow, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Kochi, Indore and Chandigarh, it was reported.

Malaysian $US 2 billion light rail extension to go ahead
State-owned Malaysian transport operator Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd is reportedly expecting to begin work on the proposed RM7 billion (approximately US$2 billion) Klang Valley light rail extension project in 2010, and to complete the project in three years.
The project involves extending the Kelana Jaya Line and the Ampang Line, a 17 kilometre Kelana Jaya Line extension from the Kelana Jaya station to Putra Heights via Subang Jaya, a 17.7 kilometre Ampang Line extension from the Sri Petaling station to Putra Heights via Kinrara and Puchong areas with 13 new stations, it was reported.
The company will open bids for the construction work in October.

Interfleet targets India with opening of Mumbai office
International rail consultancy Interfleet Technology is opening its first office in India, the company announced in a statement.
In a move that will offer a local presence for clients in India and allow Interfleet to take advantage of growing opportunities in the country, the company will be opening an office in Mumbai.
“We have over the past seven years delivered a number of assignments for clients in India and in doing so we have gained valuable experience of the rail sector in the country, regional manager Amit Ramteke said.
“The industry is well supported by the government and there are a number of projects currently being implemented. Several Metro schemes are at different stages of development and a monorail market is also emerging.
“With a growing economy, and substantial planned investment in infrastructure, the country presents a significant business opportunity for Interfleet.”
Using a cross-disciplinary approach, Interfleet’s India office will be able to provide answers on everything from training, rolling stock, systems integration and environmental issues to railway operations, infrastructure, and human factors. The office will also be able to call on Interfleet’s global resources for additional support.

Faiveley Transport wins Austrian long term overhaul contract
Faiverly transport has won its first long term overhaul contract with the Austrian operator BB.
The project will start in September 2009 and last for 5 years. It includes the opening of a Faiveley Transport workshop inside the facility of the Austrian Train Operator BB.
“Lead by the Faiveley Customer Service German team, this multi million Euros contract demonstrates the capacity of Faiveley to support its customers and its products wherever they are in use,” the company said.

Station design revealed for Nunawading project
Concept plans for Nunawading’s new railway station, being built as part of the $140 million Springvale Road Rail Separation project, have been revealed by Vicotria’s Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas.
“This vital project will significantly reduce traffic congestion through the Springvale Road intersection and build a new Nunawading Station that will boast the better, safer and more comfortable facilities – and feature a striking bubble-roof canopy at the west station entrance,” Pallas said.
The Federal Government is contributing $80 million towards the project and the Victorian Government, $60 million, as part of its $38 billion transport plan.
For more information on the road rail separation visit: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au