THE Australian state of Victoria announced on September 12 that the Evolution Rail consortium, which comprises Downer, CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and Plenary Group, has been selected to deliver the High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) public-private partnership (PPP) project for the Melbourne suburban rail network.

STRUKTON announced on September 5 that it has been awarded a contract by Melbourne tram operator Yarra Trams to supply new static inverters for B-class trams.

KIRUNA Wagon, Sweden, reached an agreement in August with RCR Tomlinson (RCR), Australia, on principal terms for an exclusive licencing agreement for the Helix Dumper wagon and unloading station.

MAJOR upgrades to the Australian state of Victoria’s regional rail network will be required over the next 20-30 years to accommodate projected population growth, according to a report prepared by the Melbourne-based Rail Futures Institute, which was released on September 5.

THE split up of Australian logistics and transport specialist Asciano, parent company of major rail freight operator Pacific National (PN), was initiated on August 19 following shareholder approval and signing off by the relevant regulatory authorities.

WESTERN Australia track owner Brookfield Rail has announced on August 15 it will undertake all regular track maintenance activities over the state’s 5500km multi-user rail freight network, previously undertaken by John Holland.

AUSTRAILIAN rail freight operator Aurizon revealed on August 15 that its 2015-16 full year results highlighted a reduced profit based on falling volumes and previously announced asset impairments.

THE first tracks were laid on August 8 on the 12km CBD and South East light rail line under construction in Sydney, Australia.

THE government of the Australian state of Victoria has announced three consortia have been shortlisted for the $A 6bn ($US 4.6bn) public private partnership (PPP) to build a new rail tunnel through Melbourne.