Network Rail is using Westermo cellular technology to remotely monitor overhead line systems on the Anglia route. This will help them find and fix faults in overhead line equipment faster – leading to shorter and fewer delays to passenger journeys.

Network Rail wants to better maintain its overhead line wires – ultimately cutting delays to your train journeys caused by faults in the overhead line equipment. That’s why Network Rail is fitting cellular modem technology onto the Eastern side of the Anglia route to help find and fix faults in overhead line equipment faster.

The tech is fitted into the substations that supply electricity to Network Rail's overhead line wires. It works by sending data from the substations using 4G and 5G signals when there’s a fault in the overhead line equipment. The tech can pinpoint the location of the fault to about 300 to 400 metres of accuracy. That’s a vast improvement from before when at times Network Rail could only pinpoint a fault to 17km. This can in turn help Network Rail fix faults much faster – and get customer journeys running again.

Section of track on the Anglia router
Photo credit: Network Rail

A more efficient solution

Much of the Anglia route is electrified and so relies on overhead line wires to power the electric trains running. Network Rail uses remote control systems to monitor overhead line wires elsewhere on its railway. But the systems in the Anglia route are older and don’t have this feature.

Using a cellular modem solution in Anglia will help Network Rail gain the same benefits but at a fraction of the cost of installing remote control systems. Network Rail started fitting the cellular modem tech in March and has covered about 50% of this route. Cellular modem technology fitted into a substation supplying electricity to Network Rail's overhead line wires on the Anglia route.

Cellular modem technology from Westermo fitted into a substation supplying electricity to our overhead line wires on the Anglia route.
Photo credit: Network Rail

Quicker, faster and safer maintenance

The cellular tech also helps Network Rail maintain its overhead line wires better. This also helps keep customer journeys running more smoothly with fewer incidents caused by overhead line faults.
It even helps keep Network Rail's teams safer as track workers spend less time on the track searching for the fault.

Mitt Shiyani, an electrical engineer at Network Rail, said:

"This technology holds the potential to improve rail journeys in Anglia by significantly reducing overhead line equipment-related train delays and minimising the need for on-track staff to locate faults. Passengers will benefit from more reliable, timely journeys and an overall more efficient rail system.”

Westermo Cellular Technology

Westermo is a leading supplier of communication and cellular products designed for critical communications in harsh environments. 

“During discussions with Network Rail, it became evident that they faced significant space constraints regarding the installation of the cellular router. The compact form factor of our device was ideally suited to accommodate their available space.” Shares Ashleigh James, Rail Sales Manager Westermo UK.

“Our router has advanced capabilities that enable real-time remote monitoring, allowing Network Rail to quickly identify and address issues, thereby minimizing downtime and improving service reliability. The tech is a game-changer for Network Rail, providing the technology needed to ensure the smooth operation of our electric trains on the Anglia route." Ashleigh James concluded.