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DB Schenker Rail has purchased a further 11% stake in Italian railfreight operator NordCargo to become its majority shareholder.

 

IN A MOVE that until recently would have been almost unthinkable, United States national passenger rail operator Amtrak is poised to unveil comprehensive plans for the replacement of its ageing train fleet. The long-range master plan will be released next month as part of a legislative and grant request to Congress, which also includes the renewal of critical infrastructure and upgrading of some lines for higher speeds.

EAST German Railway (Odeg) is set to operate locally-produced trains when it takes over regional services in Berlin Brandenburg after awarding Stadler Pankow a Euros 146 million contract for 23 multiple units. The order comprises 16 Dosto four-car double-deck emus, six GTW 2/6 two-car dmus, and one Regio-Shuttle RS1 diesel railcar.

FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) has placed a further order for 19 Alstom Coradia Polyvalent regional trains in a deal worth around Euros 130 million. The trains, which are known as Régiolis in France, have been ordered under a framework contract signed last October for up to 1000 trains which could be worth up to Euros 7 billion.

GERMAN Rail (DB) could surrender its monopoly of the Berlin S-Bahn as early as next year after the city's senate revealed its intention to re-tender the operating contract for part of the 331km network.

THE United States Surface Transportation Board (STB) has granted a request from state owned Alaska Railroad Corp. (ARRC) to construct and operate a new 129km line between Delta Junction and North Pole, subject to extensive environmental mitigation conditions.

CHINA will step up its already-vast railway expansion programme this year with investment set to reach a record high of Yuan 823.5 billion ($US 120.6 billion), according to Railways Minister Mr Liu Zhijun.

THE FIRST Alstom Pendolino tilting emu for Helsinki-St Petersburg Allegro services has been shipped from Italy to Finland ahead of the start of test running on the Finnish network later this month.

MALAYSIAN Railway (KTMB) says it expects to issue an international invitation to tender within six months for a fleet of 36 suburban emus in a deal that is likely to be worth around Ringgit 2 billion ($US 588 million).