GB Railfreight (GBRf) has secured a new five-year contract with Network Rail to operate its seasonal treatment trains across the UK, supporting efforts to keep the railway running smoothly during autumn and winter.
The GBRf agreement with Network Rail, which runs until at least 2030, covers a wide range of operations, including leaf-blasting, snow and ice treatment, and weed spraying. In addition to continuing services from Broxbourne, Stowmarket, and Tonbridge, GBRf will expand its operations from Peterborough and Kings Norton and begin new services from Inverness, St Blazey, and Toton.
Under the contract, GBRf will manage Network Rail’s fleet of Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) across northern regions. These MPVs are equipped to remove leaf mulch using high-pressure water jets, apply adhesion modifiers during the autumn, and spray anti-ice fluids and herbicides in winter and spring.
“Keeping the railway clear in autumn is an essential part of a successful rail network – ensuring passengers and goods arrive at their destinations on time. This award is a huge vote of confidence in GB Railfreight and testament to the hard work, professionalism and commitment of our staff,” John Smith OBE, Chief Executive of GB Railfreight, said.
“Running trains reliably and safely in autumn and winter is a tough challenge. Leaves on the line get crushed under train wheels and leave a material like black ice on tracks, which can cause signals to fail and trains to slide. Ice on live rails can stall trains, and we all know the disruption heavy snow can cause,” Adam Southern, Supply Chain Delivery Director at Network Rail, added.
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