BRITISH open-access operator Direct Rail Services (DRS) has published a prior information notice in the Official Journal of the European Union for a contract to supply 10 new mixed-traffic diesel-electric locomotives.

BHARAT Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), India, is inviting high-power locomotive manufacturers to pre-qualify by October 12 for a tender to partner with it in the production and subsequent maintenance of a fleet 200 6.7MW electric locomotives for operation on the new dedicated freight corridors (DFC).

LOCOMOTIVE leasing company Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE) has placed an order with Siemens for 30 Vectron locomotives, with an option for 20 additional units.

AMTRAK has confirmed that it will equip approximately 310 diesel-electric locomotives with Positive Train Control (PTC) technology by the December 31 2018 federal deadline.

KISHON port in Haifa witnessed the successful arrival of the first Bombardier Traxx locomotive for Israel Railways on August 28, the country's first electric unit.

AMTRAK and Siemens unveiled the first of 33 new Charger locomotives for the United States passenger operator's rebranded Midwest services in a ceremony held at Chicago's Union Station on August 28.

LATVIAN Railways (LZD) has agreed a 12-year €22.8m loan agreement with the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) for modernisation of its fleet of 14 2M62UM diesel locomotives.

RAILPOOL has awarded Bombardier a contract to supply 20 Traxx MS locomotives in a deal which will increase the leasing company’s Traxx fleet to 189 units.

KNOXVILLE Locomotive Works (KLW) announced on August 22 that its SE Series of four and six-axle diesel locomotives has gained Tier 4 emissions certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

SIEMENS announced on August 9 that it is establishing a new locomotive service hub at New Castle, Delaware, to remotely monitor the operation of Siemens locomotives across the United States.