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Here are the latest developments in the rail industry supplier/service provider world:

• Railpower Technologies Corp. announced California short lines Modesto & Empire Traction Co., Richmond Pacific Railroad, Central California Traction Co., San Joaquin Valley Railroad and California Northern Railroad have recently tested the RP20BD switcher. The RP20BD can reduce air emissions up to 90 percent, cut fuel usage up to 45 percent and improve tractive adhesion up to 54 percent compared with a conventional GP38 locomotive.

• Nokia Siemens Networks obtained a contract to provide, operate and maintain a rail mobile communications system for Spanish rail administration ADIF. During the next 30 months, Nokia will install the system along 279 miles of newly constructed high-speed tracks linking Madrid with Valencia and Albacete. The streamlined digital radio system will provide communications for trains operating at speeds up to 217 mph.

• International construction and civil engineering firm Peab AB won a $17.5 million contract from Sweden’s National Rail Administration to build another section of the Motala-to-Mjölby line in Östergötland. To be completed in May 2009, the project calls for expanding four miles of between Skänninge and Fogelsta, Sweden, into double track, and building three rail bridges and two highway bridges.