The International Union of Railways is deeply saddened to learn that Philippe Roumeguère, former Director General of the organisation, passed away on 6 May 2025, at the age of 83.

Roumeguere was born in Paris, France, on 25 June 1941. He graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique (class of 1960) and also had a degree in engineering from the National School of Bridges and Roads (ENPC). He began his career in October 1965 when he was seconded to the French National Railways (SNCF). He was then assigned to the Department of Track and Buildings for the Southwestern Region of the SNCF, where he began as Head of the Montlucon District in 1966 and then of Arras in 1968.

In January 1969, Roumeguère was appointed Head of the Subdivision for R&D in the Track and Buildings Department in the Northern Region of SNCF. Then, in October 1970, he became Head of the Economics Division of the Research Department, where he was in charge of the economic studies concerning the new Paris-Southeast high-speed (TGV) line project, among other things.

In April 1976, he became Head of the Civil Engineering Department of the Northern Region, being appointed as Head of the Signalling Department at the SNCF Civil Engineering Headquarters Office in April 1977. Next, he was appointed Deputy Director of Civil Engineering in April 1981 and then Director in March 1983. During that same period, he attended the 33rd session of the National Defense Institute as an auditor.

At the same time, he was appointed as Chair and President of French Company for Railway Design and Construction (SOFRERAIL), the engineering and consulting arm of SNCF, in September 1984. Roumeguère was also an active member of several international institutions and, in particular, the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE).

For two decades, he was a lecturer in Railway Economics at ENPC. He was Assistant Director General of SNCF from 1991 to 1996 and Assistant Chair of SNCF for International Affairs from January 1996 onwards. He served as Director General of UIC from October 1996 to 2005, and was a Chevalier de la légion d’honneur and Officer of the British Empire.

Roumeguère left a lasting mark on the history of UIC, through his commitment, his strategic vision and his dedication to international cooperation in the railway sector. His work has been praised by both his peers and his successors at the organisation.

UIC extends its deepest sympathy and its most sincere condolences to his family.