Are global high speed rail projects still on track?
With the current global debates on the role of HSR, it is easy to let the negative press convince you people are abandoning high speed projects left, right and centre. So I thought I would do a little round up of the latest global success stories in the high speed world!
- The Middle East’s very first high speed link Al Haramain has entered the second phase. This phase will begin with Briman flyover and end with the complete sites being taken over by phase 2 contactors. These contractors will then be in charge of implementing signalling, control systems, electrification, maintenance equipment and rolling stock.Read here for full story
- Hanyi Railway – The latest section of massive high speed link between Shanghai and Chengdu has opened this weekend. The section, which links Wuhan to Yichang will cut journey times to under one hour and forty minutes. Experts estimate the full railway will be finished in 2013
- Possibly the most talked about high speed launch for quite some time, the ‘Ferrari’ train. Not only is it Italy’s first non state owned HSR link, it is the most luxurious high speed train to date. With a cinema carriage, free wifi throughout and luxury leather seats it is hard to believe the illustrious Chairman of Ferrari Luca di Montezemolo believes his new train is meant to be accessible to all. This will be one to watch, as we all know a little competition in the market can only be good for us every day commuters (although I am not so sure state owned Trenitalia’s Emauele Carando feels the same)!
- HS2 still on track – UK transport secretary Justine Greening has confirmed HSR will go ahead and more then that it will be ‘a thing of beauty’. Many skeptics have been speculating that the project may be suspended indefinitely, but once again Justine’s commitment to the cause has shown true success in the high speed arena.
Please share any other high speed rail developments you have recently heard of…
