Loram has reached another significant milestone in the UK's digital railway transformation after commencing installation of European Train Control System equipment on a second rail grinder used across the Network Rail infrastructure.
The company has begun fitting Hitachi Rail's ETCS digital in-cab signalling technology to its C44 Rail Grinder (C44-02) at its engineering facility in Derby, marking Loram's first ETCS installation funded through the East Coast Digital Programme.
The project follows the successful introduction of ETCS technology on Loram's new RGC rail grinding unit earlier this year. The latest installation demonstrates the industry's ongoing commitment to preparing specialist on-track machines for operation on digitally signalled routes.
The C44-02 upgrade has been delivered through close collaboration between Loram, Hitachi Rail, Network Rail, the East Coast Digital Programme, and Colas Rail, which operates the C44 grinding fleet.
Work on the vehicle began in June, with Loram's Derby-based engineering and installation teams working alongside industry partners to integrate the advanced signalling technology.
The ETCS programme represents a major step forward in ensuring rail grinding vehicles can continue operating efficiently as Britain's railway moves towards digital signalling and the removal of traditional lineside signals on key routes.
Three C44 rail grinders currently support Network Rail's track maintenance and asset management operations across the network.
Lee Tinney, managing director of Loram EMEA, said:
"Following successful introduction of ETCS to our RGC Rail Grinder I am delighted that we are now expanding our ETCS fitment programme to the C44 grinder fleet, three of which are deployed by NR to support track maintenance and management teams across the network.
"I’d like to thank Loram’s engineering and installation teams, as well as our partners at Hitachi Rail, Network Rail, the East Coast Digital Programme and Colas for their support with this fitment programme, which is helping us to showcase how ETCS can be fitted to On Track Machines both cost effectively and at pace."
The East Coast Digital Programme is delivering ETCS technology across the southern section of the East Coast Main Line, creating a safer, more reliable and higher-capacity railway.
The successful integration of ETCS into specialist engineering vehicles such as rail grinders is seen as a vital part of this transition, ensuring maintenance fleets can operate seamlessly within the future digital railway environment.
Chris Hobden, programme director (ECDP), Network Rail, said:
"We’re pleased to see continued progress from Loram, and partner collaboration, to deliver digital in-cab signalling to another on track machine. This pioneering work with grinders will provide valuable learnings for the OTM sector as a whole.
"Progressing OTM fitment is an important part of our overall strategy to get to signals away on the East Coast Main Line, the end goal being a more reliable, more capable and even safer railway for customers."
The next stage of the project will see static testing undertaken at the Railway Technical Centre (RTC) in Derby, before dynamic testing begins at Network Rail's Test Track facility in Melton later this year.
Following successful testing and commissioning, C44-02 is expected to be handed back to Colas Rail for operational deployment in early 2027.
After a period of operational evaluation, a third Loram rail grinder, C44-03, will also enter the ETCS installation programme.
Initially, C44-02 will operate in ETCS dormant mode, before ETCS Level 2 functionality is activated through the agreed approvals and assurance process. This approach will support Network Rail's wider plans to introduce digitally signalled operation across sections of the East Coast Main Line and other designated routes.
The project marks another important step in the railway industry's collaborative effort to modernise maintenance fleets and support the UK's transition to a fully digital railway.
Image credit: Network Rail
