Representatives of Kamkor Locomotive, GE Transportation and Škoda Transportationmet last month to discuss co-operation to maintain Kazakhstan Railways TEP33A passenger locomotive wheelsets at the Shar locomotive depot.
Germany’s Federal Railway Authority has certified Deutsche Bahn’s inspection and infrastructure engineering contractor DB Systemtechnik as an independent assessment body for safety risk in operations and rolling stock maintenance. UK subsidiary Railway Approvals Ltd has also been accredited as an assessment body.
Having launched a review in September, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has decided not to oppose Vossloh Australia’s acquisition of concrete sleeper manufacturer Austrak from Laing O’Rourke. According to ACCC Commissioner Roger Featherston, there are other sleeper manufacturers in Australia and a sufficiently competitive market for fastenings and other track components.
On November 6 the Afghanistan Railway Authority and Afghan National Insurance Co signed a memorandum of understanding for fire, health, vehicle, railway equipment, third party and cargo insurance services.
Leasing company Porterbrook has joined the UK Railway Research & Innovation Network, which promotes collaboration between industry and academia.
The US Green Building Council has released Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design building certification standards for urban rail stations, developed with input from Delhi Metro Rail Corp, Shanghai Shentong Metro Group and Shanghai Green City Architectural Technology Co.