IRJ at InnoTrans 2016: GERMANY’s federal transport minister Mr Alexander Dobrindt handed over an innovation funding letter to Bombardier on September 20 confirming a €4m grant to support Bombardier’s project to develop an EMU with batteries for operation on non-electrified lines.

IRJ at InnoTrans 2016: The European commissioner for transport and mobility Violeta Bulc told delegates at the opening ceremony that the railway industry is a key sector for the European Union (EU), but urged it to play an even bigger role.

IRJ at Innotrans 2016: ABB unveiled its new Effilight traction transformer at InnoTrans on September 20.

IRJ at InnoTrans 2016: Alstom unveiled itsCoradia iLint on September 20, a zero-emission train which is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, making it an alternative to diesel power.

IRJ at InnoTrans 2016: GERMAN specialist locomotive builder Schalke is displaying two custom-design electric locos at Innotrans.

IRJ at InnoTrans 2016: POLISH tram and bus manufacturer Solaris and Stadler Rail announced on September 20 that the two companies will launch a new strategic partnership to bid for contracts to supply light rail vehicles in Poland and elsewhere in central and eastern Europe.

A study commissioned by Chilean State Railways (EFE) into the construction of a new rail link between Santiago and Valparaíso has concluded that one of the options under consideration would meet government investment criteria.

DB Long Distance has begun the €100m investment it announced in 2015 as part of plans to enhance its long distance services by installing high-performance Wide Local Area Networks (WLAN) on its existing fleet of 260 ICE trains.

KENYA’s National Environment Tribunal has suspended the construction of the $US 1.5bn standard-gauge railway line extension from Nairobi to Naivasha.

IRJ at InnoTrans 2016: Mr Philippe Citröen, director general of the European Rail Industry Association (Unife), says that access to global rail markets has actually declined despite concerted efforts by the European Union to improve access for European suppliers.