Network Rail will engage the private sector as is seeks a partner to deliver a major digital railway transformation programme on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).
With the successful bidder, the infrastructure manager will sign a framework contract valuated at £45 million (EUR 50.45 million) over eight years.
The Railway Systems Integration Partner (RSIP) will work within the organisation’s London North Eastern and East Midlands (LNE & EM) route to lead industry in the development and deployment of European Train Control System (in-cab signalling) between King’s Cross and just south of Grantham.
In August, a process was launched to find a technology provider, known as the Train Control Partner (TCP), to work on developing early joint solutions, and in early 2019 the search will begin for a Traffic Management Partner (TMP).
The RSIP will support the LNE & EM route and coordinate industry to deliver the digital railway transformation. They will be responsible for managing the integration activities and establishing a collaborative relationship with the route, its technology partners (TCP and TMP) and stakeholders including government, passengers, freight operators and train owners. They will also provide governance and assurance to the programme.
This section of the ECML has a once in a generation alignment of opportunities to deliver a cost-effective digital railway transformation. The train control system was last substantially upgraded in the 1970s so will need to be renewed, and at the same time many of the trains operating on the route have already been fitted with digital in-cab signalling technology or are soon to come into service.
This first inter-city introduction of modern signalling technology, which will increase capacity, improve performance, enhance safety and reduce long-term operating costs, will act as a catalyst for further development across the route and the network.
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