Australia: Western Australia’s government has set up the Rail Advisory Council to look at rail access, sale of Westrail, and access to North Quay, Fremantle, including possible double-stack operation.
BHP Iron Ore was due to receive the first of six AC6000CW diesel locos from General Electric in December for use on trains from Yandicoogina mine.
Bangladesh: BR has awarded Canarail, Systra, Bangladesh Consultants Ltd and Technoconsult a contract to provide technical assistance for a two-year flood damage repair programme.
Canada: CN has agreed to transfer the 107 km Beach Junction - Pine Falls route in Manitoba to Cando Contracting Ltd.
China: On November 10 CR inaugurated electric operation on the 565 km Shizuishan - Lanzhou line, which has cost 2bn yuan over four years; train loads can now be increased from 2600 to 4000 tonnes.
The 264 km Shimen - Changsha line in Hunan province was opened for traffic on October 16.
Croatia: HZ has awarded a DM12·5m contract to Kapsch of Austria for the supply of track-to-train radio equipment on the 326 km Ostarije - Gospic - Knin - Split corridor. Cabling will be supplied by Elka of Zagreb, with installation to be undertaken by the railway’s own staff.
Cuba: Cuban National Railways has taken delivery of five Budd RDC diesel railcars, previously operated by VIA Rail of Canada.
Czech Republic: CD introduced a new timetable on November 22 reversing the policy of transferring lightly-used services to road, with 352 extra trains on 110 routes. Late night and weekend services are to be restored this year.
Estonia: The National Privatisation Agency is to sell its stake in domestic passenger operator AS Edelaraudtee (South West Railway Ltd).
Europe: OZON Nové Z
