What is Beyond Tracks?

Beyond Tracks is a blog dedicated to railway professionals, enthusiasts, and newcomers eager to explore the past, present, and future of rail transport.
This platform offers insights, analysis, and discussions on how railways shape connectivity, sustainability, and technological advancement.

Our Goal

We aim to provide clear, well-researched, and engaging content about:

• Ongoing railway projects – from high-speed corridors to metro expansions.

• Policies and regulations – understanding the frameworks that govern the railway industry.

• Engineering and technology – from cutting-edge signaling to rolling stock innovations.

• Railway history and culture – exploring how railroads have influenced societies and industries.

Whether you are a seasoned railway expert or just starting to explore this fascinating world, Beyond Tracks is your trusted source for insightful and accessible content.

Who is Behind Beyond Tracks?

I am Pasquale Portaro, a railway professional with extensive experience in the development, operation, and management of large-scale railway projects.

My career spans transformative initiatives such as:

• The Egypt High-Speed Rail project,

• The Milan M4 Metro Line,

• The Riyadh Metro project.

Throughout these projects, I have played key roles in operational safety, system integration, and procedural development.

Areas of Expertise

• Railway commissioning and operations – ensuring seamless system integration.

• Regulatory and safety frameworks – from Permit to Work (PTW) systems to electrical safety rules.

• Technical project coordination – overseeing system compatibility, risk management, and operational workflows.

As a Certified Member of IOSH, I am committed to advancing safety standards, optimizing railway operations, and fostering innovation within the industry.

Beyond my professional experience, I have a strong personal passion for railways, infrastructure projects, and the future of rail transport.

Why Beyond Tracks?

I created Beyond Tracks for two main reasons:

• To continuously learn and grow, exploring new developments, analyzing emerging trends, and refining knowledge while transforming it into informative content.

• To share expertise and insights, making complex railway topics accessible to a wider audience.

This approach ensures that Beyond Tracks remains a dynamic and evolving platform, where learning, analysis, and engagement with the railway community are at the forefront.

Join the Journey

Railways are more than just tracks and trains — they are a global force driving connectivity, sustainability, and technological progress.

Whether you are here to learn, discuss, or stay informed, welcome aboard.

Stay connected with Beyond Tracks and explore the future of rail transport with us.