Railway Report
Monday, July 17, 2023
“The best way to predict your future is to create it” - Abraham Lincoln
News
Look Inside Putin’s Ghost Train
Leaked documents obtained by the Dossier Centre shed light on Russian President Vladimir Putin's private life, exposing his lavish armoured train and secluded lifestyle. The documents suggest that Putin's train, which has been a well-known mode of transportation for him, contains a luxurious gym, spa, cosmetology centre, and a Turkish steam bath. The Dossier Centre, backed by former Russian oil tycoon-turned-critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, obtained the documents from an insider at Zircon Service, the company responsible for outfitting the train cars. While the Kremlin denies the findings, the leaked letters tie the train's construction directly to high-ranking officials in Putin's administration. The article speculates that Putin's increasing use of the train, including extended stays near his residence in Valdai, may be driven by a desire for privacy and security. Despite efforts to remain concealed, amateur trainspotters have spotted and photographed the train, identifying it by its distinct white dome containing advanced communication antennae.
Full Article CNN
High-Speed Trains And Flights halted Due to Typhoon Talim
Hainan Province in South China has temporarily suspended high-speed train and flight operations as Typhoon Talim approaches. Bullet train operations departing from Haikou Dong Railway Station and Sanya Railway Station have been halted, along with high-speed trains on the Hainan Roundabout Railway. Regular train services in and out of the province will remain suspended until July 21. Haikou Meilan International Airport has also suspended flights. Additionally, seaport operations in Haikou have been halted, and the city has implemented measures such as temporary school closures and urging residents to stay indoors due to the expected heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Source Xinhua
First Trains Delivered For Maya Railway Project
Rolling stock manufacturer Alstom has delivered the inaugural train for Mexico's Tren Maya project to the federal government and Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo. The four-car train is the first of 42 X'trapolis trains to be supplied by Alstom. It underwent a five-day journey from the manufacturing facility in Ciudad Sahagún to the workshop and depot in Cancún. Following assembly and testing, the train will be integrated into the rail infrastructure. The Tren Maya project aims to connect several states, with the first section expected to commence operations in December 2023. Alstom will deliver three versions of the X'trapolis trains, tailored for different services and passenger needs.
Full Story Railway News
India-Nepal Cross-Border Rail Becomes Operational
The Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section, part of the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas cross-border railway connection between India and Nepal, has commenced operations. The Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport of Nepal, Prakash Jwala, launched the operation during a ceremony at Bijalpura. The 17.3 km stretch includes five stations and is the second phase of the project, constructed with grant assistance from the Indian government. The first phase, from Jaynagar to Kurtha, was inaugurated in April last year. The rail connectivity is expected to strengthen people-to-people linkages, enhance trade and tourism, and contribute to India's Neighbourhood First policy.
Read More at Times of India
Mission: Impossible Train Crash - Behind The Scenes
The upcoming film "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One" features a thrilling train crash as its gripping final sequence. Director Christopher McQuarrie aimed to create a realistic and suspenseful event, inspired by classic train wreck sequences from silent films and iconic movies. The production built replica Orient Express trains, with a 70-ton locomotive destined to plunge into a gorge. The extended climax involves actors Tom Cruise and Hayley Atwell navigating the wrecked train as it teeters on a collapsed bridge. The sequence required physical stunts and practical effects, with careful attention to lighting and sound design. Despite the challenges, the team managed to create an exhilarating and realistic portrayal of a runaway train.
Full Story Los Angeles Times
Economy
Weekly Total US rail traffic down 5.1 YOY.
Commodities which posted a decrease were:
Forest Products down 16.1%
Coal down 2.9%
Grain down 22.6%
Commodities which showed an increase were
Petroleum and petroleum products up 5.3%
Metallic ores and metals up 7.4%
Nonmetallic minerals up 2.6%
Canadian railroads reported a weekly decrease of total carloads of 2.7%. Mexican railroads reported a decrease in total carloads of 7.5%.
US inflation is seemingly slowing as producer prices rose only 0.1% year on year for the month of June. This has raised hopes of a slowing down of the interest rate hikes.
Oil demand is expected to grow slightly slower than expected, or about 2% in 2023. The challenging economic environment and tight monetary policies are putting pressure on oil demand, particularly in the OECD and Europe, where industrial activity is slowing down. Although demand is still projected to reach record levels later this year, the rest of 2023 will see supply deficits.
Chinese GDP growth missed expectations at 6.3% in the second quarter.