Network Rail has announced it has acquired a new £50m ballast cleaner.

The move represents part of Network Rail's commitment to minimise passenger disruption, reduce the cost of running the railway by 20% over the next five years, and improve sustainability.

Network Rail maintains more than 20,000 miles of track, used by over 4.5 million passengers every single day. The bed of stones the rails and sleepers rest on, known as ballast, support this network, holding the other components securely in place and allowing effective drainage, enabling a safe, smooth and comfortable ride, reducing the need for speed restrictions and travel disruption.

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Codenamed 'BCS5', the new ballast cleaner will boast the latest technological advancements in track renewals, benefiting from reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and incorporating measures to reduce workforce exposure to ballast dust, including mist-based suppression systems.

In a UK first, the new cleaner will be built for 'third-rail' operation, allowing the conductor rail to safely remain in place throughout the cleaning process. Purchased from Plasser & Theurer, the purpose-built kit and associated support plant will become the fifth ballast cleaning system in the fleet and is due to be delivered in 2016.

(CD/JP)