#16453 - Supply of Long Welded Rail Trains (LWRTs)

Tender description

The supply of rail is critical to Network Rail being able to deliver its programme of track maintenance, renewal, and enhancement works. The majority of rail is delivered using a legacy fleet of specialist rail delivery trains. These trains are reaching end-of-life, and an evaluation of future needs has indicated that the procurement of a new fleet of LWRTs offers the best whole life cost option (compared with extending the life of the legacy fleet). Against this background Network Rail has decided to purchase a new fleet of (up to) eleven LWRTs to replace the legacy fleet. This purchase of the new trains aims to deliver a cost-effective solution, allowing significant operational benefits to be delivered through - the introduction of latest technology - application of modern safety practices - the delivery of enhanced operational flexibility/ efficiency (e.g. bi-directional operation, simplified maintenance, Improved ability to recycle used rail).