29 June 2022
The Railway Industry Association (RIA), has welcomed the £1billion investment in the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) announced by the Department for Transport (DfT). It will fund rolling out digital signalling from London’s King’s Cross to Stoke Tunnels, just south of Grantham.
David Clarke, Technical Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “This is a welcome further investment in digital signalling, which will help transform how passengers and freight travel on the East Coast Main Line. The East Coast Digital Programme will increase train capacity, provide more reliable services and better information for passengers and bring safety and environmental benefits. It will future proof one of the vital transport arteries of the UK.
“It is credit to the team at Network Rail, led by Toufic Machnouk, and members of the supply chain, who are working so collaboratively on the ECDP. Earlier this year, RIA published a report on the programme which found that its innovative structure and the close work between suppliers and clients are currently helping the team reach key milestones on time and will pave the way for future railway projects.
“So today’s announcement builds on steady progress in this area, following the launch of digital signalling and trains on the Elizabeth line and Thameslink, the 4LM project by Transport for London, and further investment promised in the Integrated Rail Plan. Rolling out digital signalling more widely will be an important part of building a rail network which is fit for the future. RIA will continue to work with our members and partners to support the delivery of the ECDP and other digital projects, to ensure customers right around the country feel the benefits of digital technology on our railway.”