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Mission: Possible. The Zero-Emission Train

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RailPulse Tech
February 27, 2025

🚀 Hello, CER's 2024-2029 manifesto urges EU policies to boost rail competitiveness, funding, and digitalisation. The Trump administration reviews California’s high-speed rail project due to growing costs and delays, while the UK government introduces a bill to overhaul rail services, streamline operations, and improve passenger experience.

TOP STORIES

CER’s Vision for 2024-2029
The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) Manifesto On Track for Europe (2024-2029) urges EU policymakers to prioritise rail-friendly policies for greener, more efficient transport. It outlines four key pillars: fair competition between transport modes, increased rail funding, digitalisation through ERTMS and Digital Capacity Management, and climate-aligned competition policies. The manifesto emphasises reducing regulatory imbalances, securing long-term financing, and deploying digital enablers to optimise rail capacity at lower costs. It also calls for policies preventing a shift to higher-emission transport modes.

UK’s Government Announces Major Overhaul On UK Rail
The UK government has announced plans for a comprehensive rail reform bill that will establish Great British Railways (GBR) as a unified body managing both track and train operations. The bill includes the creation of an independent passenger watchdog tasked with addressing major passenger complaints, ensuring consistent service standards, and holding train operators accountable. The reform aims to streamline operations, resolve issues like timetabling chaos, and simplify ticketing systems while promoting long-term economic growth, investment in rail infrastructure, and better coordination with the private sector. The consultation seeks to gather input on these plans and is set to last eight weeks.

Trump Administration Investigates California High-Speed Rail Project
The Trump administration, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, has ordered the Federal Railway Administration to conduct a “compliance review” of California’s high-speed rail project, scrutinising the use of federal funds allocated for the rail line connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. Critics, including Musk and U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, argue the project has faced mismanagement, ballooning costs, and delays since its inception in 2008, and advocate for defunding it. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and project head Ian Choudri, defend the project, highlighting multiple audits and the ongoing progress of the Central Valley portion, which is moving forward as planned. The investigation follows Republican concerns about costs and timeline, with proponents asserting its importance for reducing traffic congestion and supporting environmental goals.

Regional Highlights

Europe:

  • 🇳🇴 Railcare secured a SEK 30 million order from Norway’s Baneservice for a Railvac maintenance machine, set for delivery in early 2026.

  • 🦌 Northrail has expanded its fleet with a framework agreement for up to 50 new Vectron locomotives, including 15 immediate deliveries and an option for 35 more, supported by a comprehensive eight-year service contract.

  • 🚇 London St. Pancras Highspeed and Eurotunnel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cross-Channel rail services by reducing journey times, improving timetable coordination, and increasing train frequency, aiming to expand international high-speed rail connectivity between the UK and Europe.

  • 🇫🇷 France is investing EUR 2.3 billion to modernise its night train fleet, including new locomotives and coaches, in response to increased demand and to promote sustainable rail travel as an alternative to short-haul flights.

  • 🇮🇹 Italy's first hydrogen-powered train, the Alstom Coradia Stream H, is undergoing refuelling trials in Lombardy, with plans for commercial service by 2026 as part of a EUR 30 million project to develop the country's hydrogen supply chain for decarbonising regional transport.

  • đź’¶ Unions and employers in the rail freight sector have reached a joint agreement emphasising the need for long-term investment, digitalisation, and fair competition to enhance the sector's sustainability and competitiveness in Europe.

Aisa:

  • 🇲🇳 Mongolia and China have agreed to build a new cross-border railway to boost coal transport capacity by 30 million tons annually, with construction set to begin in April 2025 and completion expected within two and a half years.

  • 🇰🇷 Woojin Industrial Systems has begun producing 108 new electric multiple-unit trains for Korea Railroad Corp., set to replace older stock on Seoul's Line 1, with 110 km/h eight-car trains capable of carrying 1,262 passengers, expected to be introduced starting July 2027.

  • 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan has launched its first-ever USD 3 billion public-private partnership railway project, the Makmal-Karakol railway, aimed at improving transport, creating jobs, and strengthening regional trade ties.

North America:

  • 🇺🇸 Keolis Commuter Services has issued a request for proposals to manufacture new battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Fairmount Line.

  • 🇨🇦 Canada has announced a USD 3.9 billion, six-year design and development phase for a high-speed rail line connecting Quebec City and Toronto, with plans for trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h and construction expected to begin in 2029.

The Big Trend

Battery Electric Multiple Units (BEMUs)

Battery Electric Multiple Units (BEMUs) are transforming rail transportation by offering a zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered trains. These trains utilise rechargeable batteries to power traction motors, enabling operation on non-electrified tracks without the need for extensive infrastructure investments. This flexibility allows for the extension of electrified routes to important towns without the high costs associated with full electrification.

Key Benefits:

  • Environmental Impact:
    BEMUs emit no exhaust gases during operation, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

  • Operational Flexibility: 
    Capable of operating on both electrified and non-electrified tracks, BEMUs offer greater route flexibility and lower infrastructure costs compared to traditional electrification methods.

  • Cost Efficiency:
    While initial purchase prices may be higher than diesel or petrol railcars, BEMUs can be economically viable on certain railway lines by eliminating the need for full-line electrification.


Real-World Examples:

  • United Kingdom: Vivarail's Class 230 trains, converted from redundant London Underground D-Stock trains, are equipped with lithium-ion batteries and have demonstrated a range of up to 100 miles on battery power alone, with a 10-minute charging time.

  • Germany: Stadler's FLIRT Akku battery trains have been ordered to replace diesel multiple units on non-electrified routes in Schleswig-Holstein, offering a range of up to 80 km on battery power.

  • Japan: JR East's EV-E301 series battery electric railcars operate on the Karasuyama Line, capable of running up to 50 km on battery power alone, with batteries charged via pantographs on electrified sections. 


Why It Matters: 

As the rail industry seeks sustainable and cost-effective solutions, BEMUs present a promising option for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing operational efficiency. Their ability to operate on non-electrified tracks without the need for extensive infrastructure investments makes them particularly advantageous for extending electrified routes to important towns. Investments in BEMU technology are expected to grow, positioning them as a cornerstone of next-generation rail systems.

Statistics of the Week

  • Indian Railways aims for 100% electrification by the next fiscal year and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, focusing on renewable energy sources and increasing green power capacity through partnerships with various states.

  • In the 12 months to January 2025, only 72% of Deutsche Bahn's intercity trains arrived within 10 minutes of their scheduled time, lagging behind the UK's 78%, with 20% of German trains delayed by over 15 minutes, compared to just 2% in the UK; this is nearly double the delays of Britain’s worst operator, Avanti West Coast.

  • In the first half of 2024-25, violent crime on Scotland’s rail network rose by 28%, with 356 cases reported.

Upcoming Events

Spotlight on Influential Voices

  • Thibault Constant, the creator of the Simply Railway YouTube channel, started his journey in 2018 with a passion for trains and travel. After working as an engineer in the U.S., he returned to Europe, continuing to share his love for train travel through POV-style videos, focusing on the trains themselves rather than himself. His content is appreciated for being relaxing and educational, with a focus on the details of train journeys.

  • Cooper Bryan is a photographer based in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in railroad photography. He captures stunning landscapes, rail equipment, and more, with a focus on unique, scenic shots.

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