Passengers travelling through Grays station on the c2c Thameside route can now benefit from step-free access, following the completion of a £9 million accessibility upgrade.
The project, delivered in partnership with Network Rail and contractor Octavius, introduces two new lifts – one for each platform – accessible via the station’s main entrance.
The new lifts are the first of their kind in the UK, using DLDS VLB (Dual Lift Drive System, Vertical Linear Beam) technology. They are also evacuation lifts, meaning they can operate during emergencies, including power failures—another UK rail network first.
The upgrade significantly improves safety and convenience for passengers with reduced mobility, parents with pushchairs, and those carrying heavy luggage. The lifts can carry up to 16 passengers, reducing travel time and making platform transfers easier and more inclusive.
C2c Managing Director Rob Mullen said:
“The completion of step-free access at Grays station is the result of dedication, hard work and innovative engineering. It’s great that c2c can add another ‘first’ to the UK rail network after making its entire network contactless earlier in the year. I am so pleased we have been able to improve the station experience for all our customers on the Thameside loop and for generations to come.”
Alongside the lift installation, c2c invested an additional £300,000 to upgrade the station’s power supply, refurbish the subway, and enhance the evacuation features of the lift system. Importantly, the station remained open throughout construction to minimise disruption.
Simon Milburn, Network Rail Anglia’s Infrastructure Director, also commented:
“We want our railway to be as inclusive as possible, and Access for All schemes like the new lifts at Grays are helping to open rail travel to more people and make it easier for everyone to travel. I would like to thank passengers for their continued patience while we’ve worked to bring the lifts at Grays station into service.”
This project forms part of the government’s Access for All programme, launched in 2006 to improve accessibility across the UK rail network. The scheme focuses on delivering step-free access, better signage, and enhanced facilities for passengers with mobility needs.
Image credit: Network Rail
