Brazil: Work is to start in June on the first phase of the Transnordestina project, between Sobradihno and Salgueiro. The scheme has been allocated R$240m by the federal government and the state of Pernambuco. The World Bank is providing R$100m, with the rest of the R$571m funding package provided by a local investment fund and concessionaire CFN.
Ferrovia Centro-Atlântica has begun an R$18m programme to overhaul 28 General Electric U20C diesel locomotives at a rate of four a month.
Canada: CN has imposed a moratorium on the closure of little-used branches in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Though no lines are currently marked for closure, CN wishes to demonstrate its commitment to saving the lines serving small prairie towns.
CN is building a new intermodal terminal at Taschereau yard, as part of a C$47m consolidation that will increase capacity in Montreal by 30%. The 85 ha Turcot Yard will close later this year, and the land sold for redevelopment.
China: The Shenmu - Yan’an trunk line in Shaanxi Province was completed in April, three months ahead of schedule. It links the Shenmu - Baotou, Yan’an - Xi’an and Xi’an - Ankang lines to form a north - south route.
Denmark: Britain’s Porterbrook Leasing has ordered 42 double-deck vehicles from Bombardier for 55m euros. To be built at G
