Colas Rail UK’s Freight division has been awarded a significant new contract by Network Rail to provide Thunderbird Rescue and Recovery locomotives across the Eastern Region, covering the strategic East Coast Main Line corridor between London and Newcastle.
The contract, which will run for an initial three-year period from January 2026, includes an option to extend for a further three years. It will see Colas Rail deliver 24/7 rescue and recovery capability to support both passenger and freight operators when incidents occur on one of the UK’s busiest and most operationally critical routes.
Two Class 67 locomotives will be dedicated to the contract and strategically positioned at Newark Northgate Sidings, enabling rapid response to failures or service disruptions along the route.
Speaking on the success of the contract, Freight Operations Director, Sep Semsarzadeh said:
“We are honoured and excited to work for Network Rail Eastern Region to provide dedicated and 24/7 rescue and recovery services on the busy East Coast Mainline, and between London and Newcastle.
“Our Class 67s and pool of drivers will be on hand to deploy promptly from Newark Northgate Siding when and if required, to support various FOCs and TOCs.”
The award reflects Network Rail’s continued focus on resilience and incident preparedness across the East Coast Main Line, which supports high-frequency passenger services alongside important freight flows.
Geoff Hibberd, Network Rail’s Head of Procurement and Commercial Strategy, said:
“We’re pleased to award this contract to Colas Rail, providing a dedicated rescue and recovery service along the East Coast Main Line."
“Keeping trains moving safely and reliably is essential for passenger and freight trains, so maintaining robust plans for incidents is key. The deployment of Class 67 locomotives from Newark will strengthen our resilience on one of the country’s busiest routes.”
With experienced drivers, proven traction, and a centrally located base, the new arrangement is expected to enhance operational confidence for train operators while reinforcing Network Rail’s commitment to keeping services moving safely and reliably across the Eastern Region.
Image credit: Colas Rail
