Australia 
Brazil 
Canada 
Chile 
China 
Columbia 
Egypt 
France 
India 
Indonesia 
Ireland 
Italy 
Malaysia 
New Zealand 
Norway 
Panama 
Peru 
Poland 
Portugal 
Saudi Arabia 
Singapore 
South Korea 
Spain 
Sweden 
Taiwan 
Thailand 
Türkiye 
United Kingdom 
United States 
Vietnam 
A key force in the electrification of the railway
Sonu works as a Group and Project Manager in the Power Systems & Overhead Line Equipment department at SYSTRA Denmark and helps drive the transition from diesel-powered locomotives to electric locomotives. Railway electrification is a key part of Denmark’s strategy to achieve CO₂ neutrality by 2050. This effort alone reduces railway CO₂ emissions by several hundred thousand tons annually and contributes to a more climate-friendly transport network.
Beyond the climate and environmental benefits, electrification lays the foundation for a modern railway with higher speeds, more reliable operations, and shorter journey times. This not only means lower operating costs and reduced noise pollution, but also an improved passenger experience.
International role in USA
Alongside the electrification programme, Sonu has also held technical responsibility for the development of the overhead contact system on the California High-Speed Rail—America’s first electrified high-speed line between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The project sets new standards for sustainable transportation in the United States and is subject to stringent requirements related to the environment and wildlife protection.
Among other things, Sonu has been the driving force behind developing an overhead contact system design that minimizes the risk of birds of prey coming into contact with the equipment.
Facts about FRI’s Young Advisor of the Year
Candidates are nominated by their employing companies, and a judging committee—comprising experienced industry professionals and clients—selects the five finalists for the award. The winner of FRI’s Young Advisor of the Year is offered a place on the FIDIC Future Leaders Management Certificate, a programme built on two pillars: leadership training and the creation of an international network with other emerging leaders.
All five finalists are nominated for the European EFCA Future Leader of the Year competition, and the winner additionally receives sponsored training leading to the FIDIC Future Leaders Management Certificate.
FRI’s Young Advisor of the Year will be announced at FRI’s Annual Meeting at Industriens Hus on 12 March 2026.
