The UK Rail Industry

High levels of investment continue in Britain’s railways. Network Rail, operator of the country’s national railway infrastructure, is to spend £28.5 billion over the next five years from April 2009, including £7.6 billion on network expansion projects.

In addition, London’s £15.9 billion Crossrail project is going ahead, as is the £5.5 billion Thameslink scheme. Investments in the capital also include modernisation of the London Underground system and creation of the London Overground network.

Scotland too is gaining major improvements to its rail and public transport networks, with lines being reopened and work well under way on Edinburgh’s light rail system.

In the longer term, large-scale main line electrification is planned and the construction of new high-speed lines is increasingly viewed as an essential step in developing Britain’s transport infrastructure, with government proposals to be unveiled soon.

These investments are set to keep the rail industry’s suppliers very busy. Infrarail provides a unique opportunity for firms targeting this market and wider international opportunities to present their capabilities and technologies.