UK Invests £5 Million in 26 New Rail Safety Projects Nationwide

The UK government has allocated £5 million in funding to 26 innovative rail projects aimed at improving passenger safety and the overall railway experience. This investment, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT), is part of the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) competition, run in partnership with Innovate UK, Network Rail, and train operators. The scheme supports projects with high potential for adoption by railway operators and freight companies.

This year’s projects focus on areas such as platform safety, bridge strike prevention, and artificial intelligence applications. One notable initiative, IntelliPan Network, uses AI to detect faults on overhead lines, helping to prevent dangerous dewirements and reduce delays. Another project, SafeRide 5G, enables passengers to securely report incidents via onboard Wi-Fi, improving response times and simplifying reporting processes.

Former CILT(UK) President and Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy emphasized that these projects apply cutting-edge technology to some of the rail industry’s most pressing challenges, prioritizing safety, reliability, and passenger experience. He highlighted that funding from the FOAK competition creates a platform for innovation to thrive, increasing the likelihood of successful technology adoption and contributing to economic growth.

Past FOAK winners, such as the Portable Track Geometry Measurement System, are already in use, providing engineers with real-time track data that helps lift speed restrictions and reduce line closures. Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, noted that the current round of funded projects will further enhance the accessibility, safety, and efficiency of the UK railway system.

The 26 newly funded projects have begun development, with live demonstrations expected in the coming months to showcase their practical applications and benefits to the railway network.