HS2

Hitachi MD on slowed ECML progress: ‘These are teething problems that will be solved’

The managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe has responded to faults in track along the East Coast Main Line (ECML) slowing progress for the roll-out of the Class 800 Azuma trains, arguing that the issues are “teething problems” that will be solved.

In a chat with RTM at Bombardier and Hitachi’s launch of a 50-strong workforce HS2 bid centre in Birmingham today, Karen Boswell said her company is working closely with Network Rail to solve the faults that are impacting the ability of the high-speed trains in travelling through the line as planned.

On Monday, reports surfaced that progress to introduce the new Class 800 trains on the ECML had been impacted due to problems arising with the trackside equipment.

A statement from Network Rail said electromagnetic emissions from the new Azuma IEP trains are interfering with existing safety critical systems — meaning the trains cannot demonstrate that they will run safely on the line.

Today, Boswell told RTM: “Putting trains onto existing infrastructure, it’s not new news to find that you have these challenges – which is what testing programmes are all about. We work really closely with Network Rail at trying to solve these sorts of problems, and we’re doing so together.

“These teething problems will be solved; we’re working hard and daily with expert technicians and engineers to do this. This is about bringing together legacy infrastructure with brand-new trains, and actually, we have to solve that.

“I am confident we will solve it. We will get those trains into traffic.”

The Azuma fleet has recently moved one step closer to completion as works kicked off at Hitachi’s Durham facility, which has this month been extended with the addition of a new £5m building in the existing site.

Image credit: PA Images