Work is now underway to equip Britain’s iconic High Speed Trains (HSTs) with modern digital in-cab signalling, marking a significant milestone in the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) and aligning with the Railway 200 celebrations.
A total of 16 Class 43 power cars are being fitted with the European Train Control System (ETCS), the next-generation signalling technology that will eventually replace traditional lineside signals with real-time digital displays in train drivers’ cabs. This upgrade is part of the £1.4 billion ECDP, aimed at delivering a more reliable, safer, and environmentally efficient railway network.
Supporting the future of mixed traffic operations
The Class 43 fleet selected for ETCS fitment includes a variety of operators and uses:
- Four power cars are owned by RailAdventure and used for freight and rolling stock movements.
- Another four are operated by Locomotive Services Limited, primarily for private charter services.
- The remaining eight, leased by Colas Rail from Porterbrook, are used in infrastructure operations, including Network Rail’s New Measurement Train (NMT).
These locomotives are expected to be fully upgraded by mid-2026, enabling them to operate seamlessly on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and on other digitally signalled routes as the ETCS rollout progresses.
Preserving legacy, embracing technology
Ben Mason, Charter and Heritage Lead for ECDP, said:
“In this year of Railway 200, we’re pleased to be equipping iconic older generation trains for the next generation railway. This work will enable the much-loved Class 43s to continue providing vital freight movements, infrastructure work and charter services for many years to come.”
Hitachi Rail, a key partner in the digital transition, is leading the integration of the technology. Paul Maynard, Vice President of Integrated Communications Supervision at Hitachi Rail, noted:
“Giving Britain’s legendary InterCity 125 power cars a ‘digital brain’ shows how the past and future of rail can run side-by-side. By equipping these Class 43s with ETCS, we’re making them even safer and better connected, extending their working life.”
Industry-wide collaboration
RailAdventure, which has played a key role in ETCS testing, welcomed the development. Kevin Walker, Managing Director, commented: “RailAdventure are both proud and excited to play our part in the introduction of ETCS signalling on the ECML. Having supported the project through the last 12 months of testing, having our own locomotives ETCS-compliant puts in place our final building block for full ETCS readiness.”
Porterbrook, the rolling stock leasing company overseeing the initial design and integration process, also hailed the expansion. “Porterbrook is pleased to be supporting Network Rail and our industry partners with the delivery of the ECDP. It’s great to see more vehicles being upgraded now in the next phase of this important programme,” Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer, said.
From Pilot to Programme
This initiative builds on previous work that saw three Class 43 power cars fitted with ETCS as part of the ‘First in Class’ pilot, used primarily on the New Measurement Train.
These pilot units were deployed in testing the system between Welwyn and Hitchin — the stretch of the East Coast Main Line set to transition to full ETCS operation from 2026.
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