Swedish national passenger operator SJ is pressing ahead with a major investment programme while extending its horizons into new markets. Keith Barrow met Caroline Åstrand, SJ executive vice-president and head of product division, in Stockholm to discuss how the operator is preparing to expand its presence across Scandinavia.

A new north-south metro line and an enhanced commuter network for Dublin are key elements of the Irish government’s €10bn capital investment plan for infrastructure up to 2027. Kevin Smith met Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, in Dublin to discuss which projects are set to benefit.

Russia’s passenger rail sector is experiencing dramatic changes in its regulatory environment as the government looks to spur a rolling stock renewal programme by encouraging market competition. Ilya Tereshko, deputy head of the Railway Research Division at the Institute for Natural Monopolies Research (IPEM), explains what this could mean for services in the future.

China’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative is promising to restore the ancient Silk Road trading route and provide significant regional economic development. Kevin Smith examines the political and financial challenges of delivering this mammoth programme of infrastructure investment.

The Destination Rail project to provide a decision support tool for infrastructure managers has reached a successful conclusion, with the final conference held at the University of Zagreb on April 26-27. Michael Robson a member of the Destination Rail executive board, outlines the project’s objectives and benefits.

The publication of a report by the French Infrastructure Policy Board on options for funding future infrastructure projects sheds new light on the true cost of meeting current commitments. Keith Barrow looks at the possible priorities for investment over the next 20 years, and how they might be funded.

Network Rail has developed a new desktop-based asset viewing application, which is providing users with an enhanced view of railway infrastructure while aiding decision making and project planning. Kevin Smith got a behind-the-scenes look at the Geo-RINM viewer in London.

Mohamed Mezghani, who took over as secretary general of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) on January 1, outlines the trends and challenges that the public transport sector faces at what he feels is a critical juncture for global urban mobility.