Network Rail has opened a £1.5 billion competition to procure a new end-to-end Infrastructure Monitoring (IM) solution, replacing its life-expired dedicated fleet and safeguarding the safe, reliable and efficient running of Britain’s railway.
The successful supplier will “provide, operate and maintain the assets, systems and services necessary to capture, process, assure and deliver all required IM data streams to Network Rail’s Enterprise Data Platform, in accordance with relevant Measurement Standards and IM Data Specifications, so that the Authority receives the right data, in full and on time, for use by end customers across Regions and Routes.”
The solution could combine specialist IM trains, in-service monitoring on timetabled passenger or freight services, and – where cost-effective – non-train-borne methods such as Road-Rail Vehicles. The supplier will act as Entity in Charge of Maintenance, manage obsolescence, secure operational approvals, and deliver services to a jointly maintained operating plan. Crucially, Network Rail will not purchase or own the assets outright.
What the contract covers
The eight-year contract, starting 1 April 2027 and running until 31 March 2035, includes options to extend twice by four years, potentially lasting up to 16 years with a further two years’ termination assistance if required. The total value including VAT is estimated at £1.8 billion.
Key responsibilities include:
- Data capture and delivery of 18 IM data streams in open, non-proprietary formats, including urgent reporting of safety-critical defects.
- Operations, planning and running IM activities with minimal disruption to timetables and resilient recovery plans.
- Maintenance and reliability, ensuring assets are calibrated, compliant and approved by the Office of Rail and Road.
- Continuous improvement and innovation, using open architectures to avoid vendor lock-in and enable new technology integration.
- Performance management against KPIs such as service reliability, data quality, user satisfaction, safety, environmental impact and social value.
- Mobilisation and transition, supporting the smooth decommissioning of the existing IM fleet.
The required data streams include rail flaw detection, rail depth and surface crack monitoring, track geometry, ballast and trackbed condition, overhead line and conductor rail wear, automated inspections, and forward-facing imagery, among others.
Strict compliance and sustainability targets
The solution must meet Network Rail’s Measurement Standards and Data Specifications, comply with UK law and Railway Group Standards, and align with environmental targets – including emissions reduction through the use of electric or electro-diesel traction where possible.
Analysis of IM data beyond Network Rail’s specifications, as well as operation or disposal of the current fleet, is outside the contract scope.
Participation and selection
The procurement will shortlist five to six suppliers following a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) stage. Candidates must prove legal and financial capacity, demonstrate technical expertise – including experience in data collection, rolling stock introduction and operational maintenance – and show commitment to Net Zero by 2050 with measurable carbon reduction plans.
Suppliers must also provide evidence of ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus information-security certification, compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and a social value strategy.
The deadline for enquiries is 25 September 2025 at 3 pm, with requests to participate due by 9 October 2025 at 3 pm via networkrail.bravosolution.co.uk
