ITALIAN State Railways (FS) concluded the privatisation of its power supply network on December 10 when it signed a contract transferring ownership to Terna, an Italian public company owned by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti which manages the national electricity grid.

CANADIAN National Railway (CN) has awarded a 10-year contract to Amsted Rail to supply it with 1 million wheels.

RAILFREIGHT capacity on lines into the port of Hamburg will be increased significantly on December 13 following the completion of infrastructure upgrades which will enable maximum train lengths to be increased from 740m to 835m.

POLISH rolling stock manufacturer Newag confirmed on December 10 that it has been awarded a five-year framework contract by Italian regional operator South East Railways (FSE) for up to 15 standard-gauge EMUs, with an initial €20.2m order for five trains.

AUSTRALIAN railfreight operator Aurizon has signed an agreement with NSW Ports to operate the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre (ILC) in Western Sydney and lease the land at the site, enabling the company to accelerate growth plans for its intermodal freight business.

THE United Arab Emirates Federal Transport Authority (FTA) granted Etihad Rail final safety authorisation on December 10 for the 264km Shah - Habshan - Ruwais line, clearing the way for the start of commercial operations on the first phase of the country's national railway network.

INDIAN Railways (IR) has issued a call for domestic tenders for the supply of a fleet of 14,777 freight wagons of six different types.

TRENITALIA has placed a €190m order with Hitachi Rail Italy (formerly AnsaldoBreda) for 136 additional Vivalto push-pull double-deck regional coaches.