Rolling Stock Orders and Greenfield Projects Contribute to Strong Growth of Rail Networks Globally, Finds Frost & Sullivan

LONDON, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The global rail market is expected to develop rapidly as the need for mobility drives demand for passenger rail and freight applications around the world. The rail networks in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, in particular, are expected to double in size by 2022.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.transportation.frost.com), Rail Outlook Study 2013–2022, provides a strategic overview of the global rail industry's growth over the next decade, detailing key Mega Trends influencing the market, market drivers and opportunities, market size for infrastructure projects across regions, and major technology trends. The research covers various segments including rolling stock, infrastructure, services, rail control, and integrated projects.

Frost & Sullivan's analysis finds that Africa will witness the highest growth in the rail supply market as a relatively stable political environment attracts international investors. Light and commuter rail will be the fastest growing markets in North America, and metro rail will be the largest replacement market. China will have a track length of 120,000 kilometres by 2020. In Europe, 10,298 locomotives and 1,860 railcars are likely to be replaced between 2015 and 2022.

While global mainline freight and passenger levels have recovered from the economic downturn, investments in European rail are constrained due to the ongoing debt environment. As a result, governments are forced to be prudent in the release of funds for public projects. High-speed rail (HSR) projects in Poland and Portugal have already been cancelled.

"Despite these challenges, governments are trying to revive the economy by creating direct and indirect jobs through infrastructure and public transport development, either by funding or by establishing regulations that create higher demand," said Frost & Sullivan Automotive and Transportation Research Analyst Shyam Raman.

Railway systems in China will continue to obtain substantial funding till 2015. China has also received significant technology transfers from companies such as General Electric, Alstom, Bombardier and Hitachi.

General Electric has invested over €114.0 million in technology transfers to build 50 power-haul locomotives in Turkey. In fact, Turkey is set to become a global hub for rail manufacturing as its strategic location allows for participation in bids from North Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Electrification and track upgrades will be the largest infrastructure projects in Turkey.

"Efficiency requirements will spur the global adoption of advanced asset and fleet management tools such as remote diagnostics, passenger information and asset planning," observed Raman. "With train operators using Internet protocol architecture for onboard Internet access as well as operation and safety services, opportunities will open up for next-generation multimedia applications. The U.K. and U.S. already have the highest number of rolling stock with Wi-Fi services in their respective regions."

As demand for intercity and international services grows, high-speed rail is expected to become the favoured mode of travel. When the European economy stabilises, the region along with Asia will have the strongest investments in HSR as it aims for overnight links from Europe to Asia through Istanbul by 2030.

If you are interested in more information on Frost & Sullivan's Rail Outlook Study 2013–2022, please send an e-mail to Katja Feick, Corporate Communications, at [email protected], with your full contact details.

Rail Outlook Study 2013–2022 (M957-13) is part of the Transportation & Logistics Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan's related research services include: Growth Opportunities in Urban Rail Rolling Stock Systems in Europe, Strategic Analysis of the Global Market for Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRT) (NA5E-18), Strategic Analysis of the European and North American Rail Infotainment Market (M663-18) and Strategic Insight on Global Rail Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan