AUSTRIA’s federal government has approved Austrian Federal Railways’ (ÖBB) infrastructure investment plan for 2017-2022, which pledges to spend €15.2bn on the rail network over the next five years.

CHINA’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has approved the second phase of the metro networks in cities of Urumqi and Xiamen, representing a total investment of Yuan 133.9bn ($US 20.1bn).

THE economy and infrastructure secretary of the Welsh government, Mr Ken Skates, has announced that four companies have been pre-qualified for the new Wales and Borders railway franchise which will start in October 2018.

LONG-distance passenger numbers in Germany grew by 10.6% in the first half of 2016 according to figures released by the German Government Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

THE board of Wallonia Regional Transport (SWRT) has shortlisted three bidders for a concession to build and operate the first light rail line in Liège.

EUROSTAR has submitted an official notification to the Belgian rail regulator for its planned London - Amsterdam services, including details of the proposed timetable for the route.

NEWCASTLE-Upon-Tyne transport authority Nexus will launch a public consultation next month on plans to renew the Tyne and Wear Metro train fleet as it prepares a bid for funding from Britain’s Department for Transport (DfT).

THE University of Huddersfield Institute of Railway Research (IRR) is working with Siemens to develop a sensor system which could turn any rail vehicle into a track monitor to inspect the condition of rails and the track bed.

ISRAEL Railways has issued a call for tender for the construction of its first electric train depot which will be built between existing diesel train depots at Lod.