Transport for London has kicked off a fresh round of early market engagement for one of the capital’s most significant rail modernisation efforts: the Bakerloo Line Upgrade (BLU). The move signals a renewed push to replace the 52‑year‑old 1972 Tube Stock—the oldest operational rolling stock in the UK rail network—and to prepare the infrastructure needed to support its successor fleet.
According to TfL, “The Bakerloo line fleet (72 Tube Stock) is now the oldest rolling stock operating in the UK with considerable costs to life-extend the fleet and significant risks to reduction in reliability.” Introducing new trains requires a comprehensive revamp of depots, sidings, power systems, signalling and other wayside assets, with infrastructure works expected to run “circa 2034.”
For operators, suppliers and contractors across the UK rail industry, BLU represents both a critical operational upgrade and a multi‑year procurement opportunity.
A Major Infrastructure Programme, Refined and Re‑Scoped
TfL has now confirmed the scope for BLU Stage 1 Infrastructure Works, which will support the introduction of the new train fleet. This includes:
- Reconstructing Stonebridge Park Depot to consolidate all maintenance activities
- Expanding Queen’s Park to add much‑needed stabling
- Modifying London Road Sidings and introducing a driver training facility
- Undertaking power, signalling and gauging compliance works across the line
This update follows earlier 2024 engagement activity. TfL notes that “This is a refinement of the scope presented during TfL's previous 2024 BLU Early Market Engagement,” including relocating the cleaning shed from London Road to Stonebridge Park and removing the need for it early in the programme.
The asset classes within scope span a wide operational range: DC and HV power, LV supply, stations and property, PTI, civils and structures, track, signalling and comms, as well as depot shed and stabling enhancements—representing a broad field for suppliers across rail systems, civils and M&E engineering.
Three Major Competitions Planned
TfL is now proposing three distinct competitions for:
- Depots and Sidings Partner
- Waysides Partner
- Integrator
The contracts are expected to run from 9 July 2027 to 8 December 2034—a seven‑year, five‑month delivery window that will be central to enabling the new Bakerloo line fleet.
Re‑Launched Preliminary Market Engagement
The recommenced PME will provide suppliers with updated information and offer TfL further insight into delivery approaches and innovations. TfL states it wishes “to further seek market expertise to finalise the shaping of the planned procurement” and is particularly interested in “innovative techniques to reduce carbon and improve whole life costs.”
The process will involve:
- 1:1 Delivery Model Supplier Sessions
- Supplier Industry Day
- Document Feedback
- 1:1 Programme Supplier Sessions
Suppliers must email [email protected] to register interest, using the subject line “‘Supplier Name’ BLU PME Interest.”
The Industry Day will take place 24 March 2026 at 1 Great George Street, London, with registration required by 10 March 2026. Document review will take place via SAP Ariba.
TfL makes clear that participation does not create any competitive advantage. “All information shared… will be captured and shared with all interested suppliers… to ensure that competition… is not distorted.” It also stresses that this is not a commitment to a future tender.
A Strategically Important Upgrade for UK Rail
With new rolling stock essential to addressing reliability, accessibility and energy‑efficiency challenges, the BLU Stage 1 Infrastructure Works underpin one of London’s most overdue fleet replacements. For UK rail suppliers, the significance is threefold:
1. A Rare Large‑Scale Tube Upgrade Programme
London Underground depot and wayside upgrades of this scale are uncommon, and the Bakerloo Line’s ageing assets provide scope for innovation across power systems, civils, depot design and digital technologies.
2. Long‑Term Workbank Stability
The projected 2027–2034 delivery window offers suppliers multi‑year pipeline certainty—important for workforce planning, investment decisions and supply chain continuity.
3. Alignment with National Rail Priorities
The programme’s focus on whole‑life costs, decarbonisation, and construction efficiency aligns with wider UK rail strategic themes, from the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP) to emerging procurement policy shaped by the Procurement Act 2023.
As operators, maintainers and suppliers continue adapting to revenue recovery pressures, inflation, and the sector‑wide drive for productivity, BLU provides a high‑profile opportunity to demonstrate innovation in project delivery and asset modernisation.
Looking Ahead
TfL stresses that this notice is “for information only” and that there is no guarantee a procurement exercise will proceed in its current form. Nonetheless, the newly refined scope, structured market engagement process and clear delivery model signal that the Bakerloo Line Upgrade is moving into a decisive phase.
For organisations operating across depots, civils, rail systems, rolling stock integration and digital rail, the 2026 engagement period will be a critical moment to shape the programme.
Image credits: iStock
