Network Rail awards rail haulage and seasonal services contracts worth £800m to boost operational and safety efficiencies. Credit: Network Rail.

Network Rail has awarded contracts worth £800m for the haulage and operations of its engineering trains and seasonal treatment services.

The contracts for Control Period 6 (CP6, 2019-2024) have been awarded to Freightliner, GB Railfreight, Direct Rail Services, DB Cargo UK and Colas Rail UK.

Related Company Profiles

View all

Network Rail supply chain operations director Rob Morton said: “These contracts demonstrate the commercially creative approach Network Rail’s supply chain now adopts. We have applied a more collaborative and forward-thinking style to our sourcing than previously, which aligns not only our goals, but those of our supply partners.

“The new contracts provide us with sufficient flexibility to direct our spend to those suppliers who deliver the best service. We have also ensured the deals have appropriate mutual benefit to maximise their longevity and chance of delivering successfully.”

Under the terms of the contracts, the contractors will be responsible for the upkeep of the network, bulk ballast and possession engineering trains.

Additionally, DB Cargo UK, GB Railfreight and Freightliner will operate Network Rail’s supply chain operations and local distribution centres in CP6. The three firms will help enhance facilities and safety for better working practices and performance.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Furthermore, Balfour Beatty and DB Cargo UK will deliver weed spray and autumn/winter multipurpose (MPV) services in CP6.

As part of the seasonal services contracts, DB Cargo UK, Direct Rail Services, Colas Rail UK, GB Railfreight and Freightliner will operate rail head treatment train (RHTT) autumn services.

The snow and ice treatment trains (SITT) will be operated by GB Railfreight and Direct Rail Services will operate the winter development train.

Network Rail believes that the contracts will enhance the performance of its rail services and enables it to deliver passengers and freight services on time.

Colas Rail UK CEO Jean-Pierre Bertrand said: “By delivering both track renewal and maintenance works alongside our freight services we can ensure efficient and timely delivery for the benefit of the end users, supporting Network Rail in enhancing the infrastructure for the benefit of the passengers.”