Hitachi Rail has delivered a major technical milestone in Transport for London’s (TfL) Four Lines Modernisation (4LM) programme—the largest signalling upgrade in the history of the London Underground.
The latest phase saw the successful deployment of Hitachi’s Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system across the Neasden Depot area, London Underground’s largest depot. It marks the most complex and technically demanding section of the 4LM project so far.
Integration at Neasden required real-time system switching between legacy interlocking systems and the new CBTC signalling, as well as live interface testing with the Jubilee line’s SelTrac™ system. These operations were carried out with minimal disruption to services, despite their intricacy.
“Delivering this phase demanded live system switching, real-time data synchronisation, and coordination across multiple lines, all with minimum disruption to operations,” said Clarke Walker, Project Director, Hitachi Rail UK. “It’s a testament to the capability of our teams and our close collaboration with TfL.”
The 4LM programme covers the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, collectively representing nearly 40% of the Underground network. The upgrade is expected to significantly improve reliability, safety, and service frequency for millions of Londoners.
“This milestone showcases not only the technical strength of our systems, but the people and partnerships that made it possible,” said Andy Bell, Vice President of Hitachi Rail UK. “It’s a story of precision delivery and exceptional teamwork.”
TfL hailed the deployment as a crucial step in bringing the benefits of CBTC signalling to a wider section of the network.
“The Four Lines Modernisation programme is transforming how Londoners move around the city. The successful integration of this new section brings us even closer to delivering faster, more frequent, and more reliable journeys for millions of passengers,” said Peter McNaught, TfL’s Director of Operational Readiness.
To mark the milestone, Hitachi Rail has released a short film highlighting the commissioning weekend. Produced with support from TfL, the video offers behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from the project team.
About the 4LM programme
The Four Lines Modernisation project spans 310 km of track and 113 stations, modernising four of the oldest lines on the network. In total, the programme covers operations involving 192 passenger trains and 33 engineering trains across 14 migration areas. The aim is to bring digital automation and signalling improvements to one of the most heavily used sections of the Underground.
The latest delivery at Neasden Depot stands out as the most complex section of the rollout to date, reflecting the scale and ambition of one of the world’s most advanced urban signalling projects.
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