Network Rail has awarded contracts worth up to GBP 1.1 billion to four suppliers to deliver and operate On Track Machines (OTMs), essential for maintaining and renewing Britain’s railway infrastructure.
The eight-year contracts, running from April 2025 to March 2033, have been awarded to Balfour Beatty Rail Limited, Colas Rail Limited, Swietelsky Babcock Rail (SB Rail), and VolkerRail Specialist Businesses Limited. Each supplier will provide and maintain OTMs – including tampers and ballast regulators – along with the personnel needed to operate them across routine maintenance, renewals, and upgrade projects.
Around 70 OTMs are included in the new agreements. These self-propelled vehicles operate 24/7 and can quickly respond to track issues across the UK’s 20,000-mile rail network, helping to minimise disruption for passengers and freight services.
Clive Berrington, Network Rail’s Group Director, Railway Business Services, said: “This contract represents a substantial investment in the vital maintenance and renewal of Britain’s rail network, ensuring that it’s safe and reliable for the benefit of passengers and freight customers.
“The longevity of the contracts gives our suppliers the confidence to invest in new plant and update their fleets, ensuring the deployment of the latest machines and technologies. As part of our ongoing focus on sustainability, the new machines will also have an improved carbon footprint, fostering innovation across the industry.”
The contracts represent the third generation of OTMs agreements, updated to reflect evolving industry standards and technologies. Network Rail will retain flexibility by allowing suppliers to compete during the contract period, and underperformance may result in the removal of specific machines or contractors.
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