n Chinese Railways expects to order 4500 new locomotives over the period of the 10th five year plan (2001-05), of which 75% will be electric. Dalian Rolling Stock Plant is expected to build 20 SS4 electric locos in 2001.
n The Indonesian Communications Ministry has announced plans to construct 190 km of double-track lines in Java. Project designs for the three lines have been completed and are ready to tender.
n Plans to build a metro in the Nigerian port of Lagos have been revived, with the aim of having the first line running by 2003. The first stage will link Alagbado and Iddo, and the second would serve Lagos Island. A new Lagos State Mass Transit Authority is to be created to supervise the project, which was first proposed by state governor Lateef Jakande (RG 2.83 p80) and subsequently cancelled.
n Oddvar Nilsen, leader of the Norwegian parliament’s transport committee, has proposed the privatisation of NSB, backing plans to split the company into separate operating units. NSB President & CEO Arne Wam is following developments in Sweden with interest, and Freight Director Kjell Frøyslid wants to see his division spun off next year.
n The Swedish government has ordered Banverket to investigate the possibilities of building a tunnel to carry commuter services under Stockholm’s old city by 2011, relieving congestion on the double-track section immediately south of Central station.
n Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem signed an accord with his Chinese counterpart Tang Jiaxuan in Ankara on January 8 for the Chinese government to assist with financing the planned Kars - Tbilisi rail link.
