PLANS to build a tram-train network on the French island of Réunion are in doubt after the new president of the regional council, Mr Didier Robert, requested that €435 million of funding allocated to the project be diverted to the construction of a new coastal road. Robert had campaigned against the €1.6 billion project to build a 42km line linking Saint Marie, Saint Denis, and Saint Paul, which was championed by his predecessor Mr Paul Vergès. Vergès was ousted from his post by Robert in March's regional election.

GERMAN Rail (DB) confirmed this morning that it will go ahead with a £1.6 billion takeover of British train and bus operator Arriva. The £7.75-a-share deal, which is the largest acquisition ever made by DB, was approved yesterday by the DB supervisory board and has also been ratified by the German government.

RAPID MetroRail Guragon (RMGL), India, has selected Siemens to build a 6.1km metro line to the urban business district at Guragon Cyber City, 30km south of Delhi city centre. The new line will link the growing business and residential area with the capital's metro Line 2 at Sikanderpur and is Siemens' first complete rail installation in India.

POLISH regional operator Masovian Railways (KM) has awarded Bombardier a Euros 41 million contract to supply 11 Traxx P160 DC Bo-Bo electric locomotives.

EVEN though the ban on air traffic has been either entirely or partially lifted in some European countries, several major European airports remain closed, notably those in southern England, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium. Even where airports have reopened, services remain restricted, and railways throughout Europe are responding with either longer trains or extra services.

AUSTRIAN Federal Railways (ÖBB) has agreed a contract with Siemens for the supply of up to 200 Desiro ML regional emus over the next five years. The contract also includes an option for maintenance of the vehicles, and if all elements are fulfilled, it will be worth nearly Euros 1 billion.

SWISS Federal Railways (SBB) says its 2009 results have exceeded expectations with record figures for punctuality, performance and safety, but has warned that the restructuring of its pension fund and reorganising freight subsidiary SBB Cargo will pose serious challenges in the coming months.

 

 

SINGAPORE Mass Rapid Transit celebrated the opening of the eastern section of the Circle Line on April 17, when full revenue operation commenced on stages 1 and 2 between Dhoby Ghaut and Bartley.

WITH a cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland continuing to wreak havoc with air travel across most of Europe, several railways in affected countries are stepping up to help air travellers reach their destinations.

STADLER has announced two separate orders for new rolling stock from two Swiss railways, including South East Railway (SOB), which is exercising a SFr 213 million ($US 203.5 million) option for an additional 14 Flirt trains from a contract agreed in 2005.