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Rail Articles

Positive ETCS deployment progress for the Spanish network

31 May 2010 | By Juan Hernández, Planning and Functional Coordination Direction, Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF)

The aim of this article is to present the current situation of the ETCS deployment on the Spanish network managed by the Spanish Infrastructure Manager (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias – ADIF). It covers the situation in the newly built High-Speed Network (UIC gauge) and the deployment over the existing conventional…

ERTMS/ETCS: A new age in Railway Signalling Engineering

31 May 2010 | By David Sanz García Global Product Line Manager ERTMS Invensys Rail Dimetronic

The ERTMS/ETCS system currently being deployed on high-speed lines in Spain is the latest state-of-the-art signalling system, and in consequence the most complex signalling system available on the market. The complexity of the ERTMS system requires a great deal of effort to test and validate all application data, much more…

The deployment of ETCS: an important test case for Europe

31 May 2010 | By Emmanuel Brutin, Senior Public Affairs Manager, UNIFE

ERTMS, and more specifically its rail component ETCS, is arguably the technology that has caused most controversy and emotional debate amongst the railway community during the past decade. In many ways, this grand project, coordinated by the European Union, is now reaching a new and important phase in its history.…

Solving signalling problems on Insulated Block Joints

31 May 2010 | By Herman Treurniet, General Manager, P&K Rail BV

Metal particles, caused by train wheels grinding against the rails and at points, are a source of faults and delays on the railway. These particles adhere to the rails, which are magnetised by voltage spikes and return currents. On tracks equipped with Insulated Block Joints, short circuits occur between the…

Delivering first-class products and services for ERTMS/ETCS development

31 May 2010 | By Patrick Deutsch, Technical Director, ERSA SARL

European Rail Software Applications (ERSA), a member of the DeltaRail Group, has a long and successful background in the field of ERTMS/ETCS development. We encapsulate ERTMS know-how into value-adding software, technology and services to deliver value for our customers. Our innovative, cost-effective solutions answer the challenge of maximising availability, reliability…

Russia’s role in increasing international rail transportation

31 May 2010 | By Vladimir Yakunin, President, Russian Railways

The issue of increasing the role of international rail transportation between Europe and Asia has recently been growing in significance. Countries of the Asia-Pacific region, primarily China, are maintaining positive economic growth trends despite the global recession, and potential for boosting their foreign trade, including with European Union countries. Russia,…

Combining capacity with track-friendly technology: FLEXX Tronic WAKO and ARS from Bombardier

31 May 2010 | By Dipl. Ing. Richard Schneider, Vice President of Product Engineering Integrity, Bombardier Transportation

The demand for capacity is on the increase across all areas of transportation. Due to its flexibility as a mass transportation system and its environmental performance, rail transport in particular is gaining in significance. As a consequence, many countries are making major investments to meet future demand and for systems…

High quality railway infrastructure should lead to increased competition

31 May 2010 | By Jan Komárek, Director General, SŽDC (the Railway Infrastructure Administration)

SŽDC, the Czech Railway Infrastructure Administration, is responsible for the modernisation and development of the railway network in the Czech Republic. We put great effort into enhancing the quality of our railway infrastructure and, together with carriers, we offer reliable services to both passengers and freight transport. In my opinion,…

Discussing demand & opportunities for Poland’s rail network

31 May 2010 | By Craig Waters, Editor, Global Railway Review

On 11 and 12 of May 2010, Global Railway Review organised Polish Rail Development 2010 – a comprehensive event for industry personnel to gather in one place to learn and discuss the most important issues surrounding the development of the railway market in Poland. Held in the vibrant and historic…

Customised Air Spring Systems for rail vehicles

31 May 2010 | By Friedrich Hoppmann, Head of ContiTech Railway Engineering, ContiTech AG

Innovative suspension technology for modern rail vehicles for urban, mainline, or high-speed rail services; this is what ContiTech Railway Engineering is all about...

Application of technology improves wheelset performance

31 May 2010 | By James Abbott, Technical Editor

The wheel/rail interface is one of the most critical parts of an entire railway operation. Through a contact patch the size of a small coin, all the forces between the moving element (the train) and the static element (the track) are transmitted. These forces are immense, and if not properly…

EBA in a liberalised railway market

5 April 2010 | By Ralf Schweinsberg, Vice-President, Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA)

With the German Railway Reform in 1994, the sovereign functions were transferred from the former state railways Deutsche Bundesbahn and Deutsche Reichsbahn to the Eisenbahn-Bundesamt (EBA). These comprise primarily the issuing of approvals and the supervisory function. The approval function of the EBA encompasses the authorisation of technical products and…

Fresh challenges for German railways in the new decade

5 April 2010 | By James Abbott, Technical Editor, Global Railway Review

The economic recession has had a big impact on Germany’s railways – but restructuring of the industry is continuing, albeit at a slower pace. The 2008 credit crunch had a severe effect on manufacturing across Europe, with automobile assembly and construction hard hit. This had knock-on effects on the railways:…

The VDV and its important work as a railway partner

5 April 2010 | By Martin Henke

The Verband Deutscher Verkehrsunternehmen (Association of German Transport Companies (VDV)) with approximately 550 ordinary members and more than 50 extraordinary members is the established address for many institutions in politics and administration, trade and industry, research and training for questions of public transport and rail freight traffic in Germany. Thus,…

Highlighting Iberian high-speed railway progress

5 April 2010 | By Craig Waters, Editor, Global Railway Review

The Iberian region represents one of the most exciting opportunities for development and business opportunities, with considerable investment in both infrastructure and rolling stock alike. With this in mind, Global Railway Review organised Iberian Rail Development 2010 which took place on 16-17 February 2010 in Madrid, Spain.