Solar-powered rail projects are ongoing in several countries, including India, Argentina, Australia and the UK, but what is the potential of this method of propulsion on a larger scale? We find out in this new issue of Future Rail.

Also in this issue, we ask whether China’s HSR development model is one that other nations should learn from, and find out how Etihad Rail is hoping to boost connectivity across the UAE with its ongoing rail project in the country.

Plus, we highlight key topics affecting rail industry employees today. In one article, we focus on key worker safety challenges after Network Rail’s establishment of a new safety task force, while in another, we examine which rail careers will come under pressure - and which could flourish - given the advent of new technologies.

Finally, we map out geopolitically sensitive rail projects around the world and take a closer look at Spacetrain, a new hovertrain concept that could connect Paris and Orléans in just 13 minutes.

Joe Baker, editor