A Greater Anglia train equipped with cutting-edge monitoring technology has been helping engineers identify potential overhead line faults on the c2c network and London's Mildmay line, demonstrating the benefits of railway integration under GBR Anglia.
Passengers travelling on the c2c route and London Overground's Mildmay line over two Sundays in July and August may have noticed an unusual visitor. A Greater Anglia train carrying Great British Railways branding was operating on the routes, but its mission extended far beyond carrying passengers.
The train was fitted with PANDAS-V, an advanced overhead line monitoring system that is already delivering significant reliability improvements across the Anglia network. By deploying the technology beyond its traditional operating area, GBR Anglia has showcased how a more integrated railway can rapidly share innovation and best practice across multiple operators.
GBR Anglia brings together c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a unified leadership structure as part of the wider transition towards Great British Railways.
How PANDAS-V Works
PANDAS-V uses a combination of roof-mounted cameras and sensors to continuously monitor overhead line equipment while trains remain in passenger service. The system automatically identifies potential defects and sends engineers precise location data alongside high-definition video footage.
This allows maintenance teams to investigate and resolve issues before they develop into more serious failures.
Overhead line failures can cause widespread disruption, often requiring railway lines to be closed for extended periods while repairs are undertaken. Early identification and intervention can therefore save thousands of delay minutes and avoid significant repair costs.
Proven Results Across Anglia
Since November 2025, PANDAS-V has helped Anglia engineers prevent major disruption on 15 occasions while operating on regular passenger services.
One of the most significant interventions came outside Liverpool Street station in March 2026, where an alert enabled engineers to rectify a defect that could have resulted in platforms 1 to 7 being unavailable for an extended period.
The technology has also delivered benefits at Harlow Town, where a detected fault could have damaged train pantographs. With each pantograph valued at approximately £25,000, the proactive repair represented a substantial cost avoidance alongside improved operational resilience.
Engineers estimate that PANDAS-V has prevented around 22,000 passenger delay minutes during its first 10 months of operation in the Anglia region.
Supporting Recovery on the Fen Line
The technology's success has led to wider deployment across the region. During late August, a Greater Anglia train equipped with PANDAS-V undertook special monitoring runs on the Fen Line.
While no overhead line defects were discovered, the initiative helped engineers quickly rule out infrastructure concerns and contributed to the faster restoration of Great Northern services.
Expansion Planned for c2c
The programme is set to expand further in the coming months, with two c2c trains due to receive PANDAS-V equipment. Once installed, the technology will provide daily monitoring coverage across the route between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness.
Until then, Greater Anglia's monitoring-equipped train will continue to make regular visits to the c2c network, with additional runs also planned on both the Mildmay line and the Fen Line.
Industry Collaboration Driving Innovation
Martin Beable, Chief Operating Officer for GBR Anglia, said:
"This initiative is GBR Anglia in action. Being a joined-up railway, with track and train closely aligned, means we are able to embrace innovation and break down barriers more quickly and effectively. The way we've been able to unlock the benefits of innovative technology right across the region shows how integration is already bringing benefits, and there's so much more to come. Together, we're driving down delays and building a better railway for all of our passengers."
Rajdeep Ghatora, Head of Concession for London Overground, said:
"We're pleased to see GBR Anglia using innovative technology to support the monitoring and maintenance of railway infrastructure. For London Overground customers, this will help to deliver a more reliable railway, fewer delays and a more resilient network, allowing people to complete their journeys with greater confidence."
Artificial Intelligence Enhancing Asset Management
Alongside monitoring overhead line equipment, the train also captured front-facing video footage using existing onboard cameras.
Engineers subsequently processed this data using AIVR software, an artificial intelligence-based platform capable of identifying emerging risks on or near the railway. The technology helps asset managers detect potential problems before they impact train services, further strengthening predictive maintenance capabilities.
The deployment reflects a wider industry trend towards condition-based monitoring, with passenger trains increasingly being used as mobile inspection platforms. These technologies are allowing thousands of miles of railway infrastructure to be assessed daily, helping engineers identify and address issues earlier, more accurately and with less disruption to passengers.
Image and video credit: Network Rail
