Hitachi Rail has completed work on the deployment of a new signalling system on the London Underground’s Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines.
The deployment, which has been regarded as one of the most challenging technical upgrades of Transport for London’s Four Lines Modernisation (4LM) project, is also the largest to have taken place in the capital’s history
The completion of the latest phase of the project covers the area surrounding the Neasdon Depot, the Underground’s largest area, and, according to Hitachi Rail, marks the ‘most intricate deployment of Hitachi Rail’s Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology in the 4LM programme to date’.
Deployment required a full integration between both legacy interlocking infrastructure and teh CBTC solution, as well as live interface testing with the Jubilee Line’s SelTrac system. The operation was carried out with uninterrupted, real-time system switching to ensure minimum disruption to passenger services.
Clarke Walker, Project Director, Hitachi Rail UK, said:Delivering this phase demanded live system switching, real-time data synchronisation, and coordination across multiple lines, all with minimum disruption to operations.
It’s a testament to the capability of our teams and our close collaboration with TfL.
The Four Lines Modernisation programme aims to both modernise and upgrade the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines of the London Underground with the introduction of new rolling stock, new automatic signalling technology and new track, as well as drainage.
Hitachi Rail’s signalling system will now cover 40% of the London Underground’s network.
Andy Bell, Vice President Hitachi Rail UK, said:This milestone showcases not only the technical strength of our systems, but the people and partnerships that made it possible.
It’s a story of precision delivery and exceptional teamwork.
