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New officials appointed in the Philippines
Following the presidential elections held in the Philippines on the 9th May, the country’s new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed officials to head up the Department of Transportation, the Philippine National Railways and the Light Rail Transit Authority.
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The new Secretary at the Dept of Transportation is Jaime Bautista (pictured right). Mr Bautista previously served as president and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines from 2004 to 2012 and again from 2014 up to 2019. On taking up his new role he pledged to transform the Philippine transport system and to elevate it to global standards. He added that he hopes that he can transplant his private sector work ethic to his first government assignment and that it will be his biggest career challenge – to improve the lives of Filipinos through safe, comfortable, accessible and efficient travel.
The new Undersecretary is Cesar Chavez, who served in the same position for nine months in 2017. During that time the Department of Transport secured the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority Board for an impressive list of new rail projects, namely; the Metro Manila Subway, PNR Manila to Calamba (South Commuter line), PNR Bicol and the Tagum-Davao-Digos.
Other new appointees include: Ms Jorgette Aquino – Assistant Secretary for Railways Mr Jeremy S Regino – General Manager, Phil National Railways Mr Henry L Uri – Acting member of the PNR Board of Directors Atty Hernan Cabrera – Administrator, Light Rail Transit Authority Mr Federico Canar Jr – General Manager, MRT3
Secretary Bautista (right) led the oath taking of the new officials, including Acting Member of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Board of Directors Henry Uri (left) and PNR Acting General Manager Jeremy Regino (centre).
Alstom wins order to supply metro trains and CBTC signalling for Bhopal & Indore metro rail projects
Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been awarded the contract by Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) to deliver 156 Movia metro cars with 15 years of comprehensive maintenance for the Bhopal and Indore metro projects. This project will benefit more than 5.7 million people in both these cities. Valued at €387 million (over INR 3200 crores), the order includes installation of latest generation of Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system as well as train control and telecommunication systems; each with seven years of comprehensive maintenance.
Alstom is responsible for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, test and commissioning of 52 standard gauge Movia metro passenger trainsets of 3-car configuration each. 27 trainsets will be for Bhopal and 25 trainsets for Indore. To be built at Alstom’s state-of-the-art rolling stock manufacturing facility in Savli (Gujarat), these ultramodern, lightweight trains will operate at a top speed of 80 km/h, across the 31 km line in Bhopal with 30 stations and the 31.5 km line in Indore with 29 stations.
“We are delighted to be awarded this significant contract from MPMRCL and this collaboration will lay a strong foundation for an efficient and sustainable mass transport system for the cities of Bhopal & Indore. Following the Agra-Kanpur metro project, winning this contract is a strong validation of our commitment to deliver mobility solutions that meet the specific requirements of our customers.” said Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India cluster.
Alstom is currently also manufacturing metro trains for Mumbai Metro Line 3, and modern trainsets for India’s first semi high-speed Delhi-Meerut RRTS project.
Thales awarded signalling services contract in Singapore
Reaffirming its strength as a trusted global transportation supplier, Thales was recently awarded a longterm services support (LTSS) contract by SMRT Trains, with support from the Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA), for the continued reliability and availability of its SelTracTM Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system on the North-South and EastWest lines.
This programme will see Thales provide ongoing repair service, spares and technical support for the existing signalling system on Singapore’s oldest train lines until 2033.
Thales will also provide both software and hardware obsolescence management and implement cybersecurity enhancements to further strengthen the cyber-resilience of the existing signalling system.
The signing of this LTSS agreement serves as a testament to Thales’ and SMRT Trains’ commitment in providing safe and reliable passenger journeys for Singapore’s rail commuters over the years.
MTR smoothly launches new rail services in the heart of Hong Kong and London
MTR Corporation strives to keep cities moving with its extensive experience of delivering safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable railway services that support growth and connect communities.
In May 2022, the company successfully achieved two significant milestones: the opening of the East Rail Line Cross-Harbour Extension in Hong Kong and the commencement of the Central Operating Section of the Elizabeth Line in London, which enhance railway network connectivity and provide efficient and quality services to passengers in both cities.
A century-old railway line crosses the harbour
The East Rail Line is Hong Kong’s oldest railway service. Starting in the steam train era, it has been connecting Kowloon and the New Territories for more than a century while undergoing waves of modernization and service enhancements.
The extension of the line to Hong Kong Island via a new cross-harbour tunnel marked a milestone in the city’s railway development and was delivered as part of the wider Shatin to Central Link project. A new fleet of 9-car trains was procured for the East Rail Line, new signalling installed and improvements made to the existing stations along the line. Hung Hom, the former terminus station, was expanded to include additional platforms and facilities. A brand new station, Exhibition Centre Station, was built in Wan Chai North, while Admiralty Station, the new terminus, was upgraded into a mega interchange station for four railway lines with platforms on different underground levels (the East Rail Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line and South Island Line).
Significant construction challenges were also overcome to deliver the city’s fourth cross-harbour railway line, including construction of the new underwater tunnel through the Immersed Tube Tunnel method and deployment of Tunnel Boring Machines to carefully thread a railway tunnel through the dense urban environment on the north shore of Hong Kong Island. In addition, bifurcation works were needed along a busy section of the existing line; there was track re-configuration, various trackside modifications and installation of new overhead lines.
After completion of all of the E+M works followed by over three months of trial operations, the new extension passed the statutory safety tests and was confirmed by the relevant government departments in early May to be safe and sound, and ready for passenger service.
Excitement on the opening day
With the new extension to Hong Kong Island, the East Rail Line serves a total of 16 stations along a 46-km route and offers interchange connections to five existing railway lines. The new interconnectivity creates a more comprehensive railway network for the city and promises to generate new impetus for Hong Kong’s growth and development.
Understandably, there was excitement and great anticipation as the opening day dawned on 15 May. About 2,000 railway fans and passengers lined up outside Exhibition Centre Station before 5:00am, hoping to catch the “Special Train for the First Service Day of East Rail Line Crossing Harbour”, which departed for Hung Hom Station at 5:25am. MTR representatives distributed limited edition face masks and pins as souvenirs to the passengers to share the joy of the opening of the extension.
Dr Rex Auyeung, Chairman of MTR Corporation, joined Chief Executive Officer Dr Jacob Kam and executives to welcome the passengers at Exhibition Centre Station. “I am delighted to have the community join us today in celebrating this important milestone of the East Rail Line crossing the harbour and local railway service entering a new era. It is our mission to ‘Keep Cities Moving’ Hong Kong MTR CEO Dr Jacob Kam distributing limited edition face masks to passengers
and MTR will continue to make its best endeavours to provide safe, reliable and convenient railway service to passengers,” said Dr Auyeung.
The inaugural ride on the special train took only five minutes to reach Hung Hom Station but was an historic occasion to mark the milestone of the century-old East Rail Line extending across Victoria Harbour and connecting the New Territories, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Passengers can now travel all the way from the mainland boundary stations of Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau to reach the commercial, convention, exhibition and financial hubs in the Wan Chai North and Admiralty areas without having to interchange.
An enriched travel experience
Apart from better connectivity, passengers on the new crossharbour extension enjoy an enriched journey experience. The new Exhibition Centre Station features the classic mosaic style of MTR stations with artwork and exhibits including the station artwork “Water Memory” and “Remains of War” that exhibits the casing of a World War II bomb discovered during the construction of the station. A large skylight fills the atrium of the Admiralty Station extension with natural light, and highlights a suspended sculpture “Mapping Our Way” which represents the four railway lines converging at the station. The suspended sculpture “Mapping Our Way” represents the four railway lines,
There are also new smart facilities on the East Rail Line. which converge at the new Exhibition Centre Station The brand-new information system “Cross-Harbour Easy” at Admiralty Station displays real time train-waiting conditions on the Tsuen Wan Line and East Rail Line platforms and train trip information for the upcoming two trains. Based on the real time information, passengers can choose time-saving routes with fewer passengers on the platform for their cross-harbour journeys. The East Rail Line now also features the popular ”Train Car Loading Indicator” on platforms and on the popular MTR Mobile app to facilitate passengers to choose more spacious train cars for boarding.
Passengers all along the East Rail Line can enjoy significant reductions in their journey time. For example, a direct trip from Sha Tin to Admiralty takes only 20 minutes with the new cross-harbour extension, compared to 31 minutes previously with two interchanges. A ride from Hung Hom to Admiralty takes just 7 minutes compared to the 19-minute train trip before.
Elizabeth line service launched in London
If comfort and convenience are hallmarks of Hong Kong’s newest railway connection, the same can certainly be said of London’s Elizabeth line. Operated by MTR through its subsidiary MTR Elizabeth line (MTREL) on behalf of Transport for London, the Central Operating Section of the Elizabeth line was opened for passenger service on 24 May.
With a total route length of over 100 km and 41 stations, the east-west line dramatically increases overall passenger capacity in London’s railway network and provides a brand new travel experience. The line is served by a fleet of purpose-built Class 345 trains providing the best in passenger service with features including walk-through carriages, temperature-controlled air conditioning, real-time travel information, Wi-Fi on trains and platforms, and seamless accessibility. On the opening day of service, enthusiastic passengers flocked to the new line to experience a ride and see the spacious new “cathedral-like” stations on the central section. Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation Dr Jacob Kam said, “We are excited to witness and take part in the commencement of Elizabeth line service which signifies a new era of travel in London. With our ample experience on railway operations, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of operational efficiency and reliability and the best in customer service for passengers in London. I would like to thank our MTREL colleagues for their continued hard work in the last seven years to be fully prepared for the opening of the Elizabeth line.” Under its operating contract, MTREL started running train services in the east (Shenfield to Liverpool St Street) in 2015 under the temporary TfL Rail brand name, followed by the western sections (Heathrow to Paddington in 2018 and Reading to Paddington in 2019) in preparation for the official launch of the Elizabeth line. In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the full line, MTREL is responsible for providing passengers with the highest level of customer service and managing 28 of the stations along the route. A through train service running from the east and west into the central section is scheduled to begin on 6 November and MTREL will continue to work with Transport for London and its appointed construction and maintenance business partners to deliver the respective tasks. As an international brand based in Hong Kong, MTR has been steadily developing its business in Mainland China, Europe and Australia. The Corporation achieves the goal of keeping cities moving with extensive Named in her honour, Queen Elizabeth II who sadly died experience of delivering safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable railway services on 8th September, officially opened the line on 17th May that support growth and connect communities.
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German Pavilion at Rail Solutions Asia 2020 German Pavilion at Rail Solutions Asia 2023
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 24 – 26 June 2020 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 24 – 26 May 2023 Rail
Solutions Asia
KUALA LUMPUR MAY 24 – 26 2023
The German Railway Association (VDB) is supporting RSA 2020 and exhibiting in the Official German The German Railway Association (VDB) is supporting RSA 2023 and exhibiting in the Official German Pavilion offers cheaper participation possibilities and other benefits for all German companies. Pavilion offers cheaper participation possibilities and other benefits for all German companies. RSA is regarded by many as the best railway show in Asia & 2020 will be its 21st Annual Show, see Pgs 9-14. RSA is regarded by many as the best railway show in Asia & 2023 will be its 22nd Annual Show. More than 35 German companies have exhibited over the past 20 years, including some of the most loyal and More than 40 German companies have exhibited over the past 21 years, including some of the most loyal consistent customers. They have this to say about the show; and consistent customers. They have this to say about the show:
Vossloh – 17 times exhibitor Vossloh – 18 times exhibitor Dinghan SMA – 15 times exhibitor Dinghan SMA – 16 times exhibitor A.Rawie – 13 times exhibitor A.Rawie – 13 times exhibitor
Aldridge launches smart railway signals and a wireless level crossing
Aldridge developed smart railway signals for the recently completed North West section of the Sydney Metro rail line. This new line features driverless trains which run from Chatswood (an inner Sydney suburb) to Cudgeong, the terminating marshalling area that’s 40km away. Aldridge is presently installing smart signals for the Sydney Metro South project, which extends the existing North West Metro a further 23km, from Chatswood to Bankstown.
Although the trains are driverless and the Metro is fully automated, the system still requires the installation of Railway Signals for the purpose of manual operations, including shunting.
The smart running signals are based on a European design which includes a white Points Position Indicator (PPI), indicating proceed Left, Straight Ahead or Right, plus a Red Horizontal Bar for Stop.
The smart shunting signals also display the Main Route Indicator (MRI) number immediately above the PPI with the upper MRI and lower PPI being totally separate & electrically isolated signals.
The above arrangement is specific to the Sydney Metro but is also available as other variants for other rail operators with an example being Yellow LEDs instead of white LEDs.
The Wireless Level Crossing (WLX) is a system that significantly reduces the installation costs for automated level crossings, as there is no need to trench and install cables from the wheel sensors, which may be located kilometres from the level crossing. The new approach from Aldridge brings additional savings with the WLX controller only requiring low power operation supplied by solar panels and 12V battery. That saves on power infrastructure compared to traditional track circuit technology, which requires mains power for operation. For sensors located in cuttings or on bends, relay towers (Repeaters) are set up between the sensor transmission tower and the railway
crossing to prevent any transmission loss.
WLX provides back-to-base monitoring and real-time reporting. The system has very low through-life operating costs and uses encrypted wireless technology for all communications.
David Aldridge (pictured right) introduced both these products at Rail Solutions Asia in Kuala Lumpur in June 2022 and he is presently following up on a number of inquiries that resulted from the show.
To see a video demonstration of the running Smart Signals in action on the Sydney Metro, follow us on Instagram @railsignal. For any further information about Smart Signals or any other Aldridge products or services, visit www.railsignal.com or call David Aldridge on +61 2 9807 7777.
Trakblaze install Loco Bogie Weigher for Kiwi Rail
Trakblaze have recently installed a new Trakmate Loco Bogie Weigher, in partnership with their local distributor for Kiwi Rail in Õtãhuhu, New Zealand. The specification was to statically weigh their bogies up to 75,000kg, with a large wheel weighing surface area to accommodate different vehicles, but with minimum disruption to their site operations.
The Trakmate system was specifically designed to allow it to interface with the existing onsite rail infrastructure on site and avoid the high costs of new foundations for an off the shelf solution. The system incorporates the use of the Trakblaze Trakmate 2 loadcell design, into a custom steel structure that provides 6-wheel weighing modules to accommodate the complete Bogie portfolio geometry of Kiwi Rails locomotive fleet.
The Trakmate Bogie Weighing Software allows each wheel to be displayed on the Touchscreen PC, which is housed in a Console next to the system. There is in addition an RFID reader connected directly to the controller to allow reading of the RFID vehicle ID tags as they approach the weighing area. This provides immediate visual weight data combined with the vehicle ID, that is recorded straight to the system database for use with providing electronic or printable reports. There are also settable visual alarm limits displayed, that ensures that the loco falls within the required tolerances.
This Trakmate system features State of the Art Technology & Design and is built to our very high quality standards and improves overall safety and greatly reduces the possibility of derailments as well as rail vehicle and rail track infrastructure damage. This system ensures evenly balanced rail vehicles, which then provides smoother mobility and better fuel economy.
We also recently installed one of our MTW S8 (Mobile Train Weighing Systems) for a metro wagon manufacturing company in Rayong, Thailand.
Kuala Lumpur MRT3 tender process progressing well
The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) announced on the 4th of August that the open tender process for the MRT3 Project is on track and progressing well.
The implementation of the MRT3 Circle Line Project will see the appointment of 5 main packages, which consist of; one Project Management Consultant (“PMC”) package, three Civil Main Contractor (“CMC”) packages and one Systems Turnkey Contractor (“STC”) package.
Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said, “MRT Corp expects the construction cost of the MRT3 Project to be competitive and comparable to the cost of the MRT Putrajaya Line Project. This open tender exercise is intended to attract the most competitive bids”.
Due to an overwhelming response, MRT Corp has extended the deadline for technical submissions for the CMC302 and CMC303 packages from 2 August 2022 to 30 September 2022. Based on this extension, the full tender submissions will now be due on 30 September 2022. The deadline for CMC301 full tender submissions remains unchanged on 30 August 2022.
He also added, “MRT3 is beyond a construction project, it is an opportunity to rejuvenate the economy and upskill the talent and capabilities of Keluarga Malaysia”.
“The new approach in project delivery and contracting strategy is a culmination of a decade’s worth of experience of MRT Corp as the asset owner and project developer. We believe this approach will be a growth impetus for the construction and rail industries. Local companies, particularly Bumiputera-owned, now have an opportunity to be in an ecosystem, where expertise, skills and technology can be cross-fertilized,” said Mohd Zarif.
Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim, Chief Executive Officer, MRT Corp
PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT APPOINTED
To this end, we are pleased to announce the appointment of a local company as the PMC to assist MRT Corp in managing and delivering the MRT3 Circle Line Project.
The open tender process for the PMC saw the participation of 13 companies, through 5 consortiums. Apart from technical and commercial submissions, the bidders also had to submit a proposal for economic enhancement programs and a response to various implementation and engineering solutions. This rigorous and multi-pronged evaluation is to ensure that the PMC has the relevant experience and has demonstrated capabilities to undertake a transformational approach in delivering this major national infrastructure project.
“Besides assisting MRT Corp, we also expect the PMC to serve the needs of the civil and system work package contractors too, so that we can work together effectively to deliver the Project,” added Mohd Zarif.
“All parties’ interests must be aligned to deliver the common objectives. The responsibility to synchronise construction work activities has been tasked to the PMC. The PMC will be given targets and KPIs, with a penalty for not meeting them,” he added.
Following the open tender exercise, the award was finalised upon the approval by the MRT3 One Stop Procurement Committee (OSPC), chaired by the Minister of Finance.
MRT Corp wishes to congratulate the Joint Venture entity of HSS Integrated Sdn Bhd and HSS Engineering Sdn Bhd, on their successful appointment as the MRT3 PMC for the contract sum of RM997.9 million.
MRT3 CIRCLE LINE
This is the critical final piece that will complete Kuala Lumpur’s urban rail network. Its proposed 51km alignment will run along the perimeter of the city of Kuala Lumpur and be connected to MRT, LRT, KTM and Monorail lines through 10 interchange stations.
Once completed, the urban rail network will further encourage public transport usage in Kuala Lumpur.
