Arriva Group announced today an order for nine cutting-edge battery hybrid trains to replace its entire Grand Central fleet, providing a major boost to regional economies and offering passengers more comfortable, greener travel options. The order for 45 Hitachi Rail ‘tri-mode’ cars, which have the flexibility to run on electrified and non-electrified tracks, along with […]
Category: Industry News
“Electrification Project Hits Major Milestone Ahead of Schedule and Below Budget”
The railway line between Kettering in Northamptonshire and Wigston near Leicester has reached a major milestone by being officially declared ready and safe for electric trains. The certification for the 23-mile section is a massive achievement in Network Rail’s Midland Main Line Electrification Programme – the biggest programme of improvements to the line since its […]
RAIB Report: Passenger train collision with a road vehicle at Redcar level crossing
RAIB has today released its report into the passenger train collision with a road vehicle at Redcar level crossing, Redcar and Cleveland, 1 May 2024. Summary At around 09:25 on 1 May 2024, a passenger train traveling between Saltburn and Nunthorpe struck a car on Redcar level crossing, which is situated in the unitary authority […]
Second HS2 tunnel boring machine finishes 5-mile journey beneath London.
HS2 has today (3rd April 2025) completed a 5-mile tunnel drive under London – using one of four giant tunnelling machines being deployed to build the railway’s Northolt Tunnel. The tunnel boring machine (TBM), named Caroline, is the second machine to reach the Green Park Way vent shaft in Ealing. The 2,050-tonne TBM broke through […]
Network Rail Grants £1.1 Billion Contract to Four Firms for On-Track Maintenance Equipment
Network Rail has awarded contracts worth up to £1.1 billion to four suppliers of on-track maintenance machines vital in maintaining and renewing Britain’s railway network. The contracts have been awarded to Balfour Beatty Rail Limited, Colas Rail Limited, Swietelsky Babcock Rail (SB Rail) and VolkerRail Specialist Businesses Limited, to provide On Track Machines (OTM) including […]
Amey appointed to Network Rail’s Development and Design Partnership Framework to transform railways in the north of England
Amey has been awarded a place on the Network Rail Development and Design Partnership Framework (DDPF) to connect people, businesses, and communities in the north of England. Amey was chosen as a design and consultancy partner for the framework worth £300 million to deliver a range of infrastructure services including professional development, design and technical […]
ORR says capacity can be made available at Eurostar depot
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says Eurostar’s London depot would be able if required to accommodate additional trains, following its receipt of an independent report it commissioned to investigate the matter. The report, published today, assessed the capacity at the operator’s Temple Mills International facility. The rail regulator added that changes to operational […]
Arup SYSTRA JV secures prestigious Network Rail contract
Arup and SYSTRA, in a 50/50 joint venture (JV) with strategic delivery partner Skanska, have secured a position on Network Rail’s prestigious Eastern Region Development and Design Partnership Framework (DDPF). The £300 million framework, which spans five years with potential for a three-year extension, will oversee multi-disciplinary design and development services, including the Northern Powerhouse […]
New report highlights ScotRail’s £4 billion contribution to Scotland
Ahead of the third anniversary of ScotRail’s return to public ownership, a new report by Steer – a transport and infrastructure consultancy – has revealed ScotRail’s £4 billion contribution to Scotland’s economy. The independent analysis outlines the train operator’s contribution to supporting jobs, driving regional growth, and making Scotland’s society and economy greener. The findings […]
Network Rail boss Sir Andrew Haines announces retirement
Sir Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, has advised the board that he has decided to retire from the company in October 2025. Sir Andrew Haines joined Network Rail in August 2018. During his seven years as chief executive, Andrew has maintained a relentless focus on putting passengers first to make Network Rail a […]