Global expertise across the entire high-speed rail ecosystem
At the forefront of global high-speed rail (HSR), we help shape, deliver, and operate the rail systems of the future.
Partnering with contractors, governments and communities, we bring together strategy, planning, design, engineering, program and construction management, and digital delivery to enable integrated end-to-end HSR solutions.
From track, tunnels, viaducts and stations to signaling, electrification, systems integration and passenger experience, our global expertise covers the full project lifecycle driving certainty, performance, and long-term value.
Key facts
- Ranked #1 Transportation by Engineering News-Record for over 20 years
- Ranked #1 Transit Design by Engineering News-Record
- 50+ Major High-speed rail projects designed and delivered
- 50+ Global High-speed rail experts
- 30+ years of High-speed rail delivery experience
- 10+ national High-speed rail networks supported across United States, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia
Technical advisory from vision to operations
High-speed rail projects are large and highly complex, combining infrastructure, systems and stations to accommodate high volumes of passengers. We understand the success factors involved and the global best practices, enabling high speed rail authorities and governments to navigate the challenges and associated cost drivers as well as optimize strategies and solutions to deliver best business case value throughout the project lifecycle.
Our advisory teams enable the development of persuasive, strategic business solutions to secure political and wider stakeholder support. Clear definitions of service requirements and infrastructure scope enable credible estimates of revenue, capital, and operating costs. That’s why we interrogate operating models to establish scope definition with funding envelopes aligned to both direct revenue and wider economic benefits.
Optimal solutions vary for different corridors, depending on population density, distance between major population centers, maturity of existing rail network, topography, and ground conditions. We work in partnership to evaluate optimal solutions for route corridors including station locations, capacity requirements, and journey times with optimized design speeds.
Accelerating cost efficient delivery on high-speed rail programs
We advise on contracting strategies, oversee engineering reviews, conduct constructability assessments and support our clients to navigate complex issues in seismic terrain, dense urban environments and integration with existing and planned transportation networks.
Our specialist teams leverage the use of modularization and standardization to optimize productivity alongside global design hubs and whole system thinking to improve affordability and global best practice templates to strengthen cost certainty.
Innovative solutions for complex rail programs
Our commitment to innovation empowers clients with cutting-edge technologies and proven methodologies to drive smarter solutions and measurable impact.
Our AI-driven design tools, and smart delivery strategies help to de-risk programs and accelerate outcomes. Our collaborative approach helps align priorities and creates clear, constructable solutions to help clients mobilize faster and succeed together.
By prioritizing innovation and value, our teams set new standards for high-speed rail infrastructure that are aligned with wider sustainability and socio-economic goals.
World-class stations
Our approach to high‑speed rail station design unites architecture, infrastructure, systems engineering, and program and construction management into one integrated delivery process. By combining global expertise with strong local leadership, we instill a disciplined focus on functionality, spatial and cost efficiency, constructability, and speed to market. This methodology strengthens near‑term viability while enabling long‑term adaptability, all anchored in delivering exceptional passenger experience and enduring design quality.
Our HSR station experience includes:
- West Kowloon HSR Terminus, Hong Kong SAR (in partnership with Aedas)
- Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station, Mumbai, India
- Multiple stations across the Spanish HSR network, including:
- Cartagena
- Granada
- Pamplona
- Madrid-Chamartín
Integration of high-speed rail systems
Integration is a life-cycle activity, not just testing, commissioning or operational readiness. Integration relies on processes and tools, such as systems engineering and systems assurance (SESA), which provide the technical foundation. Our approach to integration consists of four pillars:
- Systems thinking and structure
- Progressive assurance
- Integrated governance
- Integration mindset
Using a framework focused on interfaces and dependencies, integrated decision-making, coordinated execution and outcomes.
Design, construction and installation all represent key elements of an HSR program’s critical path. When it comes to testing and commissioning, our teams oversee system acceptance and operational readiness, with testing, commissioning and integration conducted in a planned, staged manner, including sectional and system-level trials.
We detail test procedures, acceptance criteria and handover protocols, witnessing, factory and site integration and acceptance tests to ensure that all systems are fully integrated, operational and handed over in accordance with client requirements.
We also provide support final acceptance and knowledge transfer, ensuring that our clients’ operations teams are fully prepared to manage and maintain the new railway system.
Insights
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We shape, deliver and operate the rail systems of the future. Bringing together strategy, planning, design, engineering, program management and digital delivery to optimize performance and long-term value.