- gglazebrook
March 2021
Contracts have been let for the first 250km stage of the China-Thailand high-speed rail route, with 250 km/hr trains due to start operating by 2026.
In Italy, Cargobeamer has purchased land for another roll on-roll off intermodal terminal, the first in that country. Meanwhile in Canada, tests are being undertaken of semi-autonomous semi-trailers operating between rail terminals, warehouses and local distribution centres, while trials are underway with the first fuel-cell powered line-haul freight locomotive.
In Czechoslovakia, a contract to design the first high-speed rail line has been awarded to a Czech – French – British consortium, with design work to be completed by 2022. The network planned for the Czech Republic will link it to the European high-speed rail network via Berlin, Dresden and Vienna.
In Brisbane, the first tunnelling for the Cross-River rail underground station at Roma Street is underway. Cross River Rail is expected to open in 2025.
Housing affordability continues to be a major problem in Australia, especially in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, according to the HIA.