Welcome to the latest issue of Future Rail magazine
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused upheaval to the global supply chain, as closed rail freight routes and international sanctions blocked the global freight network.
In our cover story, we explore how the Middle Corridor rail network, working alongside China's Belt and Road Initiative, will offer an opportunity for countries in Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, to increase their political independence from the geopolitical giants surrounding them.
Elsewhere, a recent audit by the RIA shows that the UK Government is failing to meet its rail decarbonisation targets. We find out what can be done to speed things up. We also take a look at the inequality between UK cities' public transport networks, and how a history of neglecting to fund transit outside of the capital is causing the gap to increase.
Further afield, the Pilbara region of Australia is Australia's – and perhaps the world's – heartland for mining operations. We profile the rail networks that keep operations running and precious minerals flowing.
In more sombre news, the Odisha train collision in India was the deadliest crash in over two decades. We look at whether the country will respond by tightening up safety on its railways.
As well as all of this, we also look at the current ten fastest trains in the world, weigh out the pros and cons of different types of electrification, profile the tech onboard Vienna's new U-Bahn trains – which have been designed for autonomous operations – and learn about how Australian startup Allegro is hoping to revolutionise battery-powered light rail.
For all this and the latest rail industry news, comment, and analysis from GlobalData, read on. You can also follow us @FutureRail_Mag.
Peter Nilson, editor