Colas Rail UK, the British subsidiary of the Colas Group specialising in rail infrastructure, has recently secured a strategic operations and maintenance contract awarded by Transport for London (TfL). This new partnership covers the management of specialised railway equipment on the Elizabeth Line, one of the busiest rail corridors in the United Kingdom, and further reinforces Colas Rail’s expertise in international rail operations.
A Major Contract with Transport for London
Rail for London Infrastructure (RFLI), a subsidiary of TfL responsible for managing the Elizabeth Line, has awarded Colas Rail UK a five-year contract for the operation and maintenance of a fleet of specialist rail vehicles. Valued at approximately €17 million, the contract is part of a long-term strategy to ensure the performance, safety, and reliability of the network.
Comparable to a regional express train, the Elizabeth Line connects key hubs such as Heathrow Airport, Reading and central London. Keeping this critical line operational is a top priority for UK transport authorities.
A High-performance Fleet at the Heart of Rail Maintenance
As part of the contract, Colas Rail UK is responsible for operating a number of heavy-duty machines, including:
- A Linsinger MG31 rail profiler, also known as a rail milling machine, used for rail surface maintenance and regeneration.
- Two Robel Engineering trains, each comprising four power units, designed for complex on-track interventions.
- Specialised support equipment to ensure efficient and rapid maintenance operations.
Proven Expertise on an International Scale
With growing expertise in rail design, construction and maintenance, Colas Rail is now a key partner for rail infrastructure in the United Kingdom. This contract with TfL adds to a series of major recent achievements, including:
- Colas Rail’s involvement in the HS2 (High Speed 2) project – one of the largest rail infrastructure schemes in Europe – where the company is responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of the overhead catenary system.
- Multiple contracts for On-Track Machines (OTMs), delivering both operation and maintenance services.
Our ever-expanding expertise in rail operations and maintenance allows us to support both RFLI and TfL in ensuring that the Elizabeth Line remains a vital route for UK passengers
Tony Birrell
Head of Heavy Plant Operations, Colas Rail UK
A Strong Commitment to Sustainable Mobility
This contract also illustrates the Colas Group’s commitment to sustainable mobility, built on modern, high-performance infrastructure and reliable rail services. By ensuring both preventive and corrective maintenance of key rail assets, Colas Rail contributes to:
- Minimising service disruptions
- Reducing long-term maintenance costs
A Proven Growth Trajectory for Colas Rail UK
This new rail maintenance contract in the UK further strengthens Colas Rail’s strategic position in the British market, where the company has been established for over 25 years. Thanks to its technical expertise, strong local presence, and ability to meet the highest infrastructure standards, Colas Rail continues to stand out as a key player in rail performance across the country.
