Six firms bags £4 Billion Train Control Systems contract from Network Rail

London, United Kingdom (Urban Transport News): Network Rail's ambitious £4 billion, 10-year signalling plan is poised to transform Britain's railway infrastructure, ushering in modern equipment to enhance reliability nationwide through a blend of traditional signalling and digital control systems.

Six companies have secured contracts under the Train Control Systems Framework to provide both conventional and digital signalling services, shaping the railway landscape from Carlisle to Brighton. The framework, spanning from 2024 to 2034, allocates £4 billion in funding, with £3 billion dedicated to digital signalling and £1 billion to conventional signalling.

The contracts have been divided into two lots:

Lot 1: Conventional Signalling

• Alstom
• AtkinsRealis
• Hitachi
• Siemens

Lot 2: Digital Signalling (utilizing European Train Control System technology)

• Alstom
• AtkinsRealis and CAF
• Siemens
• Thales and VolkerRail

The Train Control Systems framework supersedes previous major signalling frameworks, aiming to foster novel collaboration between Network Rail and its signalling delivery partners.

Clive Berrington, Network Rail’s Group Commercial & Procurement Director, emphasized the framework's shift towards a more collaborative approach with suppliers, cultivating partnerships to drive collective success. He highlighted the framework's expansion of the UK signalling market by welcoming two new suppliers, thereby enhancing diversity and capability for improved market performance. Additionally, increased visibility of project pipelines enables partners to invest in skills and innovation, benefiting the entire rail industry.

The framework also introduces a new approach to partner selection and project allocation through the Network Rail Allocation Group, aiming to streamline workflows and mitigate workload fluctuations for partners.

Among the initial signalling projects slated for delivery under the framework are:

• Midlands Rail Hub
• Digital signalling for the TransPennine Route Upgrade
• Digital signalling for the TriLink Programme

Network Rail's £4 billion Train Control Systems Framework represents a significant step forward in modernizing Britain's railway infrastructure, promising improved performance for passengers and freight customers, and enhanced value for taxpayers.