Work has officially begun on the fitting of digital in-cab signalling technology on a set of High Speed Trains (HSTs) in the UK.

The work will see 16 Class 43 power cars be adapted to support ETCS (European Train Control System) equipment as part of the 1.4 billion GBP East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP).

The first four units to be fitted with the new system technology are a set of power cars belonging to freight operator RailAdventure

© Network Rail

The programme aims to transform rail operations across the country by replacing traditional lineside signals with continuous information displayed inside driver cabs.

The first power cars to be altered are a set of four units belonging to European freight operator RailAdventure, with another four belonging to Locomotive Services Limited and currently in use as private charter trains.

The remaining eight units, used for infrastructure management, are currently leased by Colas Rail from Porterbrook. Work on all units is expected to be complete by mid-2026.

Following the fitting of the ETCS, the units will be fit to run on the East Coast Main Line (ECML), as well as other routes as ETCS expands across the UK rail network.

Ben Mason, Charter and Heritage Lead for ECDP, said:

In this year of Railway200 we’re pleased to be equipping iconic older generation trains for the next generation railway.

This work will enable the much loved Class 43s to continue providing vital freight movements, infrastructure work and charter services for many years to come. ECDP continues to progress and build capability as we work to deliver a more reliable, greener and even safer railway.

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