Autodesk, a global leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, said it aims to play a key role in the move to design, visualise and create futuristic rail networks across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

The presence of revolutionary building information modelling (BIM) technology is likely to provide the region’s government entities, railway operators and construction companies with the much-needed push in developing rail networks of the future, said senior company officials at the Middle East Rail 2016, the largest rail conference and expo in Mena and Central Asia, which concludes today.

The conference, which kicked off on Tuesday, features keynotes, panel discussions and research sharing and throws the spotlight on project updates with key government departments, railway operators and construction companies - giving a first look at 2016 tenders and an understanding of the techniques and technologies being implemented to build these futuristic networks.

Recent industry reports have shown that Mena countries are all systems go with their plans to develop a strong passenger and freight transport network, which is ably reflected in the 16 major railway projects worth $352 billion that are currently under way in the region.

Industry experts have pointed out that current market conditions are a great opportunity for international rail suppliers to enter the market especially now that governments are diversifying their resources and placing more emphasis on projects that are not oil-related.

In line with this, transport and logistics sectors are playing an increasingly vital role in the region's economies. Governments are now looking towards innovative technologies to boost economic sectors that will boost intra-regional trade and tourism activities.

“Government entities in the region are now investing heavily in the efforts to develop transport infrastructure for the citizens and their economy. One particular mode of transport that they are looking to modernise is rail,” remarked Louay Dahmash, the head of Autodesk Middle East.

"Over the last few years, we have pioneered and championed the concept of BIM and we believe our participation at this year’s conference will highlight how BIM solutions can contribute towards the development and design of new railway projects," said Dahmash.

Autodesk’s BIM technology can help the Middle East rail industry reduce risk and deliver more successful and profitable projects, thereby strengthening and positioning the region as one of the world’s leading innovation hubs for sustainable transport infrastructure.”

Autodesk senior executives have shared the key benefits and advantages to be gained from using BIM for these modern rail projects.

One advantage is the ability to meet project timing and sustainability expectations as BIM can help rail owners, engineering service providers, and contractors access, integrate, and analyse information more holistically to increase productivity and improve the way they plan, build, and manage projects, said the company in its statement.

Another advantage is the provision of a more comprehensive and accurate view of the project as utilising BIM can result in evaluating alternatives faster and create simulations and visualisations for faster approvals.

It can also improve communication by creating a central point to help global field teams manage data, keep track of quality, check adherence to standards, and document projects, it added.

Leading officials including Michael Stangl, senior director Global Services, Autodesk Consulting, and Neil Brooker, the technical specialists manager (EMEA) at Autodesk, will deliver presentations on the impact of BIM with respect to ‘Time, Cost, and Quality’ on rail projects and the ‘Future of Rail’, at the event.-TradeArabia News Service