News

Increasing rail capacity, higher infrastructure availability and a longer service life of rail infrastructure require smart innovations in both rail technology and logistics. At InnoTrans, we will present our new Robel for the transport, unloading and loading of long rails for the first time, demonstrating how these developments come together in future-oriented rail logistics.

Replacing a turnout component starts with finding the correct part. In practice, this often takes more time than desired. Compatibility requirements, technical specifications, regulations and the wide variety of turnout systems can make it challenging to quickly identify the right components. With our new turnout component configurator, infrastructure managers and contractors can find the correct turnout components faster using up-to-date infrastructure data, saving valuable preparation time at a moment when maintenance and renewal projects are facing increasing time pressure and track possessions are becoming ever scarcer.

With the departure of CEO Chris van Dranen, voestalpine Track Solutions Netherlands is entering a new phase. Not a complete change of direction, but a logical continuation of a development that has been underway for some time. Chris is stepping down and retiring. On 1 June, Mark de Vries started as CEO alongside his existing roles within voestalpine Railway Systems. Earlier, on 1 April, Dominique Martens joined as Commercial Director. We spoke with them about their roles and how they, together with the team, will continue building on the company’s future.

What still functions without issue in the railway today can suddenly become scarce tomorrow. With the official opening of our new legacy hall, we anticipate this reality. The hall serves as a central point for managing railstock and legacy materials and increases both the certainty and speed with which critical railway components are available.

ProRail has introduced a new product specification for the assembly of on-site bonded insulated rail joints (hereafter IRJs) directly in the track. This change, documented in ProRail’s Directive SPC00342-2, provides clear regulations and quality assurance, especially in locations where prefab insulated rail joints are not feasible, such as within a double-slip switch or in tight curves. Our new 4-hole NRG joint offers the ideal solution for such situations.

Following earlier successful implementations in the Utrecht Provincial Tram Company, we are now introducing the digital delivery of switches via the zentrak platform in the Netherlands. This marks a new phase in the digitalisation of railway infrastructure — one in which data is made reliable, structured, centralised, and digitally accessible right from the source.

Time passes by almost as quickly as the Hyperloop POD races through the tubes. Which brings us to our announcement: We are extremely proud to announce that the European Hyperloop Week of 2022 will take place on our very own premises Crailoo in Hilversum, the Netherlands!

It is the Week of Circular Economy in the Netherlands. This entire week focuses on circular entrepreneurship. From idea to development, where good collaboration is a key factor. A lot of possibilities lie ahead, especially in the area of sustainable travel.