Network Rail has extended its contract with Loram for the maintenance of its Infrastructure Monitoring Fleet, which is made up of 65 dedicated vehicles which carry out measurement and analysis of track structures right across the country. The fleet allows route-based asset management teams to efficiently plan maintenance work alongside renewal programmes.

The fleet is currently made up of re-purposed passenger vehicles, which are fitted especially with state-of-the-art measurement and monitoring equipment from performance and safety-based solutions companies such as Omnicom Balfour Beatty, Sperry and One Big Circle.

Loram’s contract initially began in April 2022 and was set to run for a two-year period, thanks to Network Rail extending the contract will now run to 2027 which will also support its Asset Information Systems’ broader aims to advance the future of Infrastructure Monitoring services as the current fleet reaches its end of working life. The ‘IM Programme’ sees Network Rail already working with an array of suppliers which includes Loram in order to discover how the supply chain will support the future needs of its Regions and Route via the provision of intelligent data on the condition of infrastructure.

Andrew Watson, Director of Business Development at Loram UK, said: “I am delighted that we can continue to support today’s IM Fleet as we work with other members of the supply chain to see how we can cost-effectively deliver the next generation of infrastructure monitoring.”

“Today’s announcement reflects the skills and expertise of Loram’s engineers and support teams who maintain this diverse and ageing fleet. It also shows that Loram is committed to working closely with its customers and supporting their vision for the future of our railway.”

Loram is an industry leader in its field and is based in Derby. The contract with Network Rail supports 40 existing jobs.