Network Rail - Network Rail Regional Reorganisation and Shared Responsibilities - C

Network Rail - C

Network Rail Regional Reorganisation and Shared Responsibilities

During February 2011, it was announced that Network Rail had begun the process of reorganising its operational structure into nine semi-autonomous regional entities, each with their own managing director, the first two units to be created were Scotland and Wessex regions. The reorganisation has been interpreted as a move back towards vertical integration of track and train operations.

In December 2016, the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling announced that Network Rail would lose sole control of track maintenance and repairs, and instead would share this with the Train Operating Companies.

Network Rail Electrification Schemes

During March 2011, the British government announced that the Great Western Main Line would be electrified as far as Bristol Temple Meads. Within four years, this programme, which was headed by Network Rail, was beset by poor planning and cost overruns, leading to the shortcomings being scrutinised by Parliament.

Specifically, the projected cost had increased from £1.2 billion to £2.8 billion by the end of 2015, while the project's timetable was also delayed to the extent that the government had to request Hitachi to retrofit the new high speed trainsets procured under the Intercity Express Programme with diesel engines as well as electric traction.

In July 2017, the government announced that, in response to the programme's continued difficulties, the scope of the electrification scheme had been decreased, specifically, it would only be completed as far as Thingley Junction, two miles (3.2 km) west of Chippenham, while the electrification of other lines, including Bristol Parkway to Temple Meads and Didcot to Oxford, was also postponed.

During 2011, work commenced to extend the electrification of the Midland Main Line, including to both Corby and Nottingham. In July 2017, it was announced the then-Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling that the electrification scheme north of Kettering to Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield had been cancelled and that bi-mode trains would be used instead. However, in May 2022, a briefing to contractors was released ahead of an invitation to tender for Midland Mainline Electrification project work to extend electrification to Nottingham and Sheffield. This scheme is expected to cost £1.3 billion.

Network Rail has undertaken numerous schemes to develop its own renewable electrical generation footprint, which is used in part to power the operational railway. In January 2014, Network Rail opened the world's largest solar-powered bridge, adjacent to the remains of the old Blackfriars Railway Bridge, across the River Thames. The roof of the new railway bridge is covered with 4,400 photovoltaic panels, providing up to half of the energy requirement for London Blackfriars station. Solar panels are used at various locations across Network Rail's property portfolio, including stations and depots. In August 2022, an agreement between the company and EDF was signed to provide more solar energy.

Network Rail Overview

Network Rail Type: Government-owned company/non-departmental public body

(incorporated as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital)

Network Rail Industry: Rail infrastructure and asset management

Network Rail Predecessor: Railtrack

Network Rail Founded: October 2002, 21 years ago

Network Rail Successor: Great British Railways (from 2024)

Network Rail Headquarters: 1 Eversholt Street

London

NW1 2DN

Network Rail Key People:

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (chairman)

Andrew Haines (CEO)

Ric Scott (Highland Area LOM)

Network Rail Products: Public transport

Network Rail Revenue: £6.6 billion (2019)

Network Rail Owner: HM Government (Department for Transport)

Network Rail Number of Employees: 42,099 (2020)

Rail Holidays
Rail Vacations

Luxury Trains
Luxury Tours

International Trains
International Tours