CSR has announced that it will spend Yuan 5bn ($US 778.8m) to build a new manufacturing plant and repair facility in southwest China.

SOUTH Africa's government has agreed to inject Rand 137bn ($US 19.96bn) in Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's (Prasa) rolling stock and infrastructure investment programme.

TRANSNET, South Africa's national transport company, has brought forward to the next two years rail and port projects worth Rand 6.1bn ($US 755m) previously scheduled for the tail-end of its Rand 110.6bn five-year capital investment plan.

THE Portuguese government has published a strategic transport plan aimed at reducing the cost of train services as part of its austerity programme.

EAST Japan Railway (JR East) is to acquire a controlling interest in Japanese train manufacturer Tokyu Car Corporation, in a deal worth Yen 6.5bn ($US 85.4m) which will take effect on April 2 2012.

NORWEGIAN track authority Jernbaneverket has awarded Skanska, Sweden, a NKr 1.36bn ($US 245.6m) contract for the remaining civil works on the 13.4km Holm - Nykirke section of the Vestfold line upgrade project.

GERMAN Rail (DB)and private German passenger operators are establishing framework contracts with chosen suppliers ahead of future regional passenger rolling stock tenders.

KIWIRAIL plans to devalue its assets to more accurately reflect their productive earnings value.