Media centre

Monday 26 Oct 2026

New digital tool helps engineers complete three year inspection in two months

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail engineers have completed a three-year vegetation inspection cycle in just two months using Digitised Lineside Inspection (DLI). 

The technology is transforming how Scotland's railway is inspected, making the process safer, faster and more efficient.

Teams in Edinburgh have used the technology to carry out inspections across their patch, including sections of the East Coast Main Line, a vital link between Edinburgh and London King's Cross.

DLI uses footage captured from trains to give engineers a clear view of vegetation along the railway, allowing them to spot potential problems and plan any work needed from the safety of the depot.

By doing this, engineers spend less time walking the railway, where special access is needed to work safely. It means fewer unnecessary trips trackside and less exposure to the risks that come with working on the railway.

As autumn sets in, DLI is helping engineers keep a closer eye on vegetation across the railway, at a time when falling leaves can cause problems for trains. By spotting potential issues sooner, teams can target work where it’s needed and help keep trains running reliably for passengers.

The new way of working has also delivered around £55,000 in direct savings in Edinburgh.

Tracy Penmen, track maintenance engineer at Network Rail Scotland, said: "This is a brilliant example of how technology is helping us look after the railway more safely and efficiently.

"Completing what would previously have been a three-year inspection cycle in just two months is a fantastic achievement and means our engineers can get a clear picture of where work is needed much more quickly.

"It also means less time spent out on the railway carrying out inspections and more time focused on the places that need our attention.

"The Edinburgh teams have really embraced this new way of working and should be incredibly proud of what they've achieved."