Media centre

Friday 23 Jul 2004

UK RAIL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS BECOMES FULLY UNITED AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A DECADE

Region & Route:

National

For almost a decade, since rail privatisation, the core elements of making a railway work - operations and maintenance – have been split, but no more. This weekend will see the culmination of a nine-month process to bring all rail maintenance in-house.  Some 16,000 workers, over 5,000 road vehicles and almost 600 properties are now under direct Network Rail control. This change marks the most fundamental restructuring of the railway since privatisation. To mark this momentous achievement the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive invite you to join them at one of the major rail maintenance depots in London, based at Clapham Junction.  Here you will see a live depot in operation, be able to talk to some of its staff, see demonstrations of day-to-day maintenance activities such as welding and ultrasonic testing. You will also be able to see and board some of the very latest engineering trains in operation including a Switch and Crossings rail grinder (from the US) and a massive road/rail vehicle that uses world leading ultrasonic technology. Where:          Clapham Junction Maintenance Depot, Plough Road, off St John’s Hill  When:            10am on Wednesday 28 July for around 1- 2 hours Who:              John Armitt, Chief Executive and Iain Coucher, Deputy Chief Executive What:             Depot tour, maintenance demos, latest engineering trains in action, photo and interview opportunities, plenty of parking for live broadcasting, refreshments If you wish to attend please contact Donna Casey in the Network Rail Press Office on 020 7557 8292 or by emailing donna.casey@networkrail.co.uk.