ARA Rail Infrastructure Course: August/September 2026

This four-week course offers a comprehensive overview of rail infrastructure, focusing on the key components such as track design, electrical engineering, and civil engineering, as well as their interdependencies and contributions to efficient transportation. Learners will explore the fundamentals of electrical engineering, civil engineering, and track systems through the lens of a fictional event. This immersive experience enables learners to evaluate and document findings that are essential for the design, construction, and maintenance of modern railways. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, participants will understand how these rail systems are dependent on each other to provide safe, efficient and reliable operation.

Course modules

Understanding infrastructure – overview of electrical, track and civil assets
Track and civil infrastructure
Electrical infrastructure
Lessons learnt

Learning outcomes

Understand the basic principles of railway electrical components, recognise and describe the main electrical components in rail systems, including overhead wiring, substations, and power supply systems.
Learn how electrical systems interact with other components of rail infrastructure, including tracks and signalling.
Explore geotechnical, track, and civil infrastructure, focusing on the substructure and earthworks related to track systems.
Learn about the essential components of track structures, factors affecting load-bearing capacity, track geometry, elements that impact track integrity, and maintenance and repair.
Identify and describe the civil engineering aspects of rail infrastructure, such as track design, construction and maintenance.
Explore a simulated scenario to assess the challenges and solutions in modern rail infrastructure projects.
Through simulation, communicate effectively with professionals in the field, utilising appropriate technical language and concepts.

Who should attend?

Whether you are new to the rail industry or want to have access to the latest course offering in this space, the ARA Rail Infrastructure Course will give you a comprehensive insight into the breadth and complexity of Infrastructure in the rail industry.