Thales bags Network Rail contract for train detection system overhaul

Image: Thales

Thales will be replacing Network Rail’s ageing mechanical treadles as part of an eight-year framework agreement that will see the development and supply of new Az LM axle counters. The deal is expected to help UK infrastructure manager Network Rail increase the reliability of its operations.

Network Rail currently has a mix of some 11.000 electronic and mechanical treadles, the latter of which are ageing and affecting the reliability of its train detection system and, as a result, the passenger service. Delays due to a failure of treadles, which then trigger barriers at level crossings, are particularly prevalent.

Thales to adapt Az LM unit system

“This contract will make a big impact on Network Rail because we’re tackling a major thorn in their side that prevents passengers from reaching their destinations on time”, Thales’ head of operations for main line signalling in the UK Tancred Porteous said in comments on this week’s contract announcement.

Thales will now work to adapt its high-fidelity Az LM unit system to meet the right specifications. Teams based in the UK and Germany, where the system is built, will be working together on the development of the Az LM unit system. “To develop a new system would have been complex, expensive and time consuming,” according to Sabrina Naussedat, sales manager at Thales Germany.

Further reading:

Author: Nick Augusteijn

Former Chief Editor of RailTech.com

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.