Analysis Archives - International Railway Journal

Analysis

March 30, 2026 | Analysis

The elephant in the room for SNCF

David Haydock examines the financial implications of growing competition on the French high-speed network for French National Railways (SNCF).

March 10, 2026 | Analysis

Slow start for upgraded Budapest - Belgrade main line

The Hungarian section of the upgraded Budapest - Belgrade main line opened for freight traffic on February 27. However, the start of passenger operations is on hold while the Chinese-supplied signalling equipment is certified, as Ferenc Joo explains.

August 4, 2025 | Main line

Momentum builds for Mexico’s passenger railway revival

With construction of two projects underway and two more on the verge of starting, William Vantuono presents an update on Mexico’s National Railway Plan, which aims to restore passenger services on more than 3400km of main lines across the country.

June 12, 2025 | North America

Mexico progresses long-distance passenger revival

With two projects already underway and two more due to start by the end of July, Kevin Smith looks at progress with delivering Mexico’s National Railway Plan, which aims to restore passenger services on 3000km of mainlines across the country.

March 14, 2025 | Analysis

The increasing woes of India’s first high-speed line

Costs have soared and completion has been pushed back to 2031 as India and Japan disagree over signalling and the cost of rolling stock. Srinand Jha reports.

March 13, 2025 | Analysis

British operators make the case for DMU replacement

BEMUS combined with partial electrification is the favoured solution, as Robert Preston reports.

February 25, 2025 | Analysis

“Shock” delays for Grand Paris Express project

The president of transport authority Île-de-France Mobility has called for joint action to ensure completion of lines 15 South, 16 and 17 of the Grand Paris Express network by the end of next year. Robert Preston reports.

January 22, 2025 | Analysis

Europe’s rolling stock lessors sound the alarm over ERTMS

An open letter from AERRL to the transport commissioner says that the ETCS specification must remain unchanged to reduce costs and enable the implementation of FRMCS. Robert Preston reports.

December 6, 2024 | High-speed

Depot access proves tricky for cross-Channel new entrants

Evolyn and Virgin have turned to Britain’s rail regulator as they seek access to the rolling stock maintenance facility in London that is owned by incumbent high-speed operator Eurostar. Robert Preston reports.

September 16, 2024 | Analysis

Unife’s new director general sets sights on closer industry collaboration

Enno Wiebe officially took over as the new director general of the European Rail Industry Supply Association (Unife) on June 1. He reveals his plans for the organisation to Kevin Smith.

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