On June 4, British Minister of Rail Transport Peter Hendy officially inaugurated the UK’s first electrified test track.
The track is located at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Center in Warwickshire, owned and developed by Porterbrook, one of the UK’s leading investors and rolling stock operators.
The new 3.5-kilometer track represents a significant milestone for the development and testing of the next generation of trains for the British rail network.
The opening ceremony was attended by Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant, representatives from the rail industry, Network Rail apprentices, and students involved in educational programs focused on the rail sector.
Porterbrook has invested over GBP75 million (EUR89 million) in the development of the center, which spans 135 acres and is considered one of the most advanced rail testing facilities in Europe.
“The Long Marston Rail Innovation Center is a remarkable initiative that will support the development of the next generation of trains in the UK. This kind of innovation is exactly what we need to build a future-ready railway,” said Lord Hendy.
Investments of over one billion GBP
According to Porterbrook, the new facility is intended for the entire rail industry and demonstrates how private investment can contribute to the modernization of the British rail system.
Over the past five years, the company has invested over GBP 1 billion (EUR 1.2 billion) in new trains, the modernization of the existing fleet, the development of alternative traction technologies, and railway infrastructure. Porterbrook has also allocated over GBP 14 million (EUR 16.7 million) to the development and testing of the UK’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train, HydroFLEX.
The event also featured the unveiling of the company’s new visual identity, which reflects its commitment to continuing investments in innovation and collaborating with industry partners to improve services for passengers.
The new electrified test track at Long Marston will enable the testing of rolling stock and state-of-the-art railway technologies, helping to accelerate the introduction of more efficient and sustainable solutions on the British rail network.
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