CZECH rail freight operator CD Cargo has launched its largest-ever procurement of new traction with the publication on January 19 of a contract notice for an international tender to supply 55 locomotives for international operations.

THE council of Sweden’s Uppsala Region has given train leasing company Transitio the go-ahead to order eight Stadler double-deck EMUs for Upptåget regional services.

THE 100th Siemens Vectron electric locomotive for European Locomotive Leasing (ELL) was officially handed over to Austrian rail freight operator LTE in a ceremony at Vienna Freudenau intermodal terminal on January 19.

THE European Commission (EC) has launched an investigation into the use of restructuring aid for Polish state-owned train operator Regional Railways (PR) amid concerns that the company may have benefitted from illegal state support.

THE mayor of Leipzig, Mr Burkhard Jung, says the city may have to build either a new tram tunnel or a second S-Bahn tunnel if it is to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.

GERMAN Rail has awarded a €1m four-year framework to Powerlines Products, Germany, to supply conductor rail aluminium supports and insulators for use on the Hamburg S-Bahn.

THE Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro has started construction of Line 3 of the Porto Maravilha light rail network, which is being developed by Rio’s Port Urban Development Company (CDURP).

SPAIN’s prime minister Mr Mariano Rajoy officially inaugurated a 72km extension to the country’s high-speed network from Valencia to Castellón on the Mediterranean Corridor on January 22 ahead of the start of commercial services on January 23.

THE Viamobilidade consortium, led by CCR Group, won an auction on January 19 for the 20-year concession for São Paulo metro Line 5-Lilac and monorail Line 17-Gold.