UK’s Northern rail franchise to be renationalized
The future of the UK’s privatised rail system has been thrown into further doubt with the government’s announcement of the renationalization of the struggling Northern rail franchise. The decision to end Arriva’s contract was welcomed by many in Manchester, and Liverpool and across the north of England, after years of widespread train cancellations and delays. The government will assume control of the frnchise effective March 1. [theguardian.com]
Mexico’s Mayan Train project construction set to start in April
Construction of the first 951km phase of Mexico’s Mayan Train project is set to begin in April after the government revealed the tendering process for the controversial scheme. The first phase of the $US 7.4bn project will run from Palenque in Chiapas State to Cancún in Quintana Roo passing through Tabasco, Campeche and Yucatán states. [railjournal.com]
Tracklaying starts on Dhaka metro
Bangladesh’s capital has begun laying track for the it’s first metro line. Running from Uttara in the northwest of the city to Motijheel in the city centre, the 19.9 km (12.4 mi) elevated Line will serve 16 stations and is expected to open by the end of 2021. [railwaygazette.com]
New Zealand to invest $US 700m in rail network
New Zealand will make a $NZ 1.1bn ($US 717.6m) investment in rail as part of a $NZ 6.8bn transport infrastructure investment plan. The bulk of the investment will be spent on improvements to the Auckland rail network including new track, line elecrtrification, and two new stations. Wellington commuter cars will also be refurbished. [railjournal.com]
