From the Editor

Issue 3 - April 2022

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Ray Chan

Editor - Rail Express

Welcome to the April issue of Rail Express

What a bumper issue it is.

This edition looks back at last month’s successful AusRAIL PLUS Conference, which had resumed after a COVIDinduced hiatus.

The entire rail industry – from stakeholders to suppliers – made the most of the opportunity to reconnect, walking through an extensive exhibition showcasing more than 250 suppliers while listening to 134 speakers present keynotes and a range of panel discussions with major decision-makers.

We visited some of the innovative displays on show and gathered the opinions of some of the participants about the major challenges facing the industry.

Also highlighted at AusRAIL PLUS were the emerging digital technologies and products offered by various stakeholders and operators in the rail sector, and how they are handling the transition into the digital age.

This issue features players involved in this profound transformation, driven by emerging digital technologies like 5G, big data, the Internet of Things, automation, artifi cial intelligence, and blockchain.

Indeed, pretty much every component of railway operations is being affected by digitalisation. In terms of rolling stock, big advances in areas such as automation, selfdiagnoses, or real-time geolocation tracking mean that trains are becoming considerably smarter and safer.

When it comes to signalling, digital systems radically enhance the reliability and performance of operations. No more is there the need to rely on outdated signal boxes and heavy copper wires.

On the condition monitoring side, sensors and devices are proving to be godsends in obstacle and damage detection, preventive maintenance, and linkages with other systems, external operators and transport modes. Smart surveillance systems are changing the way controllers manage hazards, intrusions, railway crossings, and driver behavior.

Digital development thus provides a unique opportunity for operators not just to increase effi ciencies in the overall logistics market, but also to become an integral part of progress towards greener, more sustainable freight transport.

But despite its potential, the digitisation of rail comes with a number of challenges, ranging from privacy and security concerns to issues related to the ownership of data and proprietary systems, the impact on jobs, and the fear of investing in assets that may turn into liabilities down the track (no pun intended).

Meanwhile, as we move into a brand-new world of digitalisation, we also make headway into a business world that is demanding more focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities.

ESG is a holistic concept about an organisation’s ability to create and sustain long-term value in a rapidly changing world, and managing the risks and opportunities associated with these changes.

The principle is used as a framework to assess how an organisation manages risks and opportunities that changing market and nonmarket conditions create.

The uncertain risks of a pandemic and the climate crisis have made many investors and policymakers realise a greater need to accelerate investments and progress on businesses which prioritise ESG.

A prominent part of ESG is the focus on diversity and inclusion, and in a special feature within, you can read about how companies are honing in on this aspect as part of their operations.

Apart from these articles, there is an extended look at the case for high-speed rail in Australia, backed up by Federal Election promises and a commitment to build faster connections between Brisbane and the Gold Coast in time for the 2032 Olympics; and a report on the Australian Government’s decision to establish a national intermodal corporation to serve the needs of Inland Rail.

And of course, there is our usual roundup of news from across the country and New Zealand; a brief summary of contracts, tenders and Expressions of Interests; and contributions from our industry partners.

We are sure you will enjoy the issue. Happy reading.