TRC Synergy’s JV CCCC-TRC-UFUK accepted a RM2.69 billion contract from MRT Mutiara Sdn Bhd for Penang LRT Mutiara Line Package CMC2. The five-year scope covers a sea crossing viaduct with navigation spans, an elevated station, and associated works from Macallum to Penang Sentral.
Batley station in West Yorkshire has been upgraded with a new footbridge and lifts, replacing the subway to provide step-free access as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Further works, including waiting shelters and car park reopening, will continue into spring 2027.
At InnoTrans 2026, Vossloh launched new fastening systems for conventional, high-speed and urban rail, and added TrackStability software functions for track-buckling risk. The company also won about EUR 60 million in rail fastening contracts for two high-speed lines in Shandong, China, with deliveries from 2027.
Great Northern will double off-peak train frequency between Moorgate and Hertford North from 14 December. Services will run every 15 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, with faster running into London and limited stops at Bayford and Crews Hill.
MRT Corp has awarded a RM2.69 billion civil main contract to a JV of CCCC, TRC Construction and Ufuk Semarak for the Penang LRT Mutiara Line cross-sea extension. The 5.5km package includes a 3.05km sea bridge linking Macallum on Penang Island to Penang Sentral in Seberang Perai.
MRT Corp awarded the RM2.69 billion Civil Main Contract 2 for the Penang LRT Mutiara Line. The package covers a 5.5km extension from Macallum to Penang Sentral, including a 3.05km sea-crossing bridge. The project is under construction and reported 16% complete.
Great Northern will increase off-peak services between Moorgate and Hertford North to four trains per hour from 14 December, creating a 15-minute turn-up-and-go frequency at most stations on the route.
Ukraine’s ministry, Ukrzaliznytsia and the PPP Agency signed a memorandum to prepare two railway projects in Zakarpattia: a 1,435 mm standard-gauge electrified line from Uzhhorod to the state border via Pavlovo, and modernisation of the Korolevo–Khust route. The work will be supported by the World Bank PREPARE programme.
Sydney Metro Southwest has opened passenger services, completing Sydney’s 66 km metro line with 31 stations. Alstom supplied Metropolis trains, Urbalis CBTC signalling and maintenance services for the extension, and also maintains the fleet at Metro Trains Sydney’s Tallawong depot.
Leighton Buzzard Railway in Bedfordshire has announced a lineup of 2027 heritage railway events, including a Chaloner 150th birthday celebration, Easter activities, themed family days, a beer festival, and Christmas events. Full details will be posted on its website.
Wensleydale Railway in Yorkshire received free track design support from TECS Ltd, which surveyed Leeming Bar yard and Bedale station curve and offered to complete design work for a yard reconfiguration and track relay.
The Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway in Middlesex will run Santa Specials on 12-13 and 19-20 December, with tickets booked in advance. The article also notes the railway won a 2023 HRA Infrastructure Award for a new coach shed and maintenance facility.
A Scottish fatal accident inquiry found that an off-design drain, missing as-built records, and maintenance and weather-management gaps contributed to the 2020 Carmont derailment. The inquiry said building the drain to its approved design might realistically have prevented the crash. No new recommendations were made.
Weardale Railway in County Durham will host steam locomotive Flying Scotsman from 13 to 15 November, with scheduled arrivals at Stanhope station, paid viewing areas at five stations, and safety restrictions around platforms and footbridges.
Singapore will expand the Singapore Rail Academy’s role from November with standardised training, wider eligibility, and new certification pathways for engineers, technicians and operations staff. The changes, developed with LTA and rail operators, are meant to support MRT network expansion, upgrades and future technology adoption.
At IRSC Lisbon 2026, UIC presented work on safety culture, cyber resilience, risk assessment harmonisation, wayside monitoring, AI for level crossings, and safety management for Portugal’s future Lisbon-Porto high-speed line. The conference highlighted international cooperation on railway safety and innovation.
Transport for Greater Manchester will start redeveloping Bury Interchange later this month in two phases. The first phase includes a new footbridge, lift access to Metrolink platforms, platform resurfacing, canopy replacement, and upgrades to lighting, signage, CCTV, passenger information displays and ticketing facilities.
A rear-end collision between an Iryo train and a Renfe AVE train on Spain’s Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line near Toledo killed at least 50 people and injured about 179. Adif suspended traffic on the corridor while emergency response and investigation work continued.
The Polar Express train ride will return to South Devon Railway from 27 November to 23 December, with themed journeys, characters, entertainment, and visits to Father Christmas. Tickets are expected to sell quickly.
A World Bank Kenya Economic Update says the Mombasa–Nairobi SGR could have saved up to US$900 million if built at Tanzania-like costs. The report cites procurement irregularities, land speculation and corruption, and says governance weaknesses have raised public spending and borrowing costs.
Spain approved €30 million in aid and advance compensation for victims of the Urda high-speed rail crash near Toledo. The decree sets €72,121.46 per fatality, injury compensation by insurance scale, and temporary price caps on travel alternatives and accommodation linked to affected trips.
Northern is supporting the Poppy Express on trains in Yorkshire, with volunteers selling poppies to raise funds for the Royal British Legion ahead of Remembrance Day. Free travel is also being offered to veterans and military personnel for remembrance services on 8 November.
Belgian freight operator Lineas has extended lease contracts with Ermewa for about 4,000 freight wagons across its European network. The renewal continues a sale-and-leaseback arrangement first agreed in 2021 and comes as Lineas works through financial restructuring after government rescue support.
FS Logistix ordered six more CZ LOKO EffiShunter 1000 diesel-electric locomotives for Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal. The four-axle Class D744 units will be used for shunting at ports and terminals, freight on non-electrified lines, and rescue duties. The group already operates earlier EffiShunter orders.
The Northampton and Lamport Railway will run its Winter Warmer event on 3 January 2027, with two steam locomotives in service and Bagnall No. 2 making its last operating day before leaving the railway.