Alstom’s Widnes: UK Rail Modernization Showcase

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Introduction

Alstom’s Widnes Transport Technology Centre hosted its first-ever passenger service on Saturday 6 September 2025, with a UK Railtours charter named The Industria Ditat. The visit showcased train modernization projects and celebrated the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

First Passenger Service

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, welcomed the first passenger service into its Widnes modernization facility. The UK Railtours charter, The Industria Ditat, visited the 13,000 m² Alstom Transport Technology Centre on Saturday 6 September 2025, as it traveled between Hertfordshire and North Wales. The Latin phrase ‘Industria Ditat’ translates as ‘Industry Enriches’ and is the motto of the Cheshire town of Widnes.

Operational Details

The charter train, numbered 1Z15, was hauled by GB Railfreight locomotives 57303 and 60087 and arrived at Widnes around 10:30am. Mark McGrath and Tony Whitehead from Alstom’s Central Operations team ensured the train’s safe arrival. The service entered the facility on the arrival and departure line, parking behind a newly refurbished unit. After an hour on site, 1Z15 departed via Ditton Sidings to Ditton East Junction, continuing to Glan Conwy Freight Depot before returning to Watford Junction along the West Coast Main Line.

Facility and Projects

Opened in 2017, Alstom’s Widnes facility is the UK’s largest and most sophisticated centre for train modernization. Recent projects include a £117 million refurbishment of Avanti West Coast’s Class 390 Pendolino fleet, the largest fleet upgrade in UK history, and a £25 million renewal of South Western Railway’s Class 458 trains. Passengers travelled in heritage Mark 2 and Mark 3 carriages provided by Eastern Rail Services, all originally built at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works.

Industry Collaboration and Community Support

In lieu of an access fee, UK Railtours made donations to Halton Haven Hospice and Widnes Foodbank. UK Railtours expressed gratitude for the assistance received from Alstom, GB Railfreight, and Eastern Rail Services. The visit of The Industria Ditat represents both a milestone for the Widnes facility and a celebration of Britain’s railway heritage.

Conclusion

The Industria Ditat railtour marked a significant event for Alstom’s Widnes facility, showcasing its modernization capabilities and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. The event highlighted collaboration between industry partners and provided railway enthusiasts with firsthand experience of modernization operations.

Company Summary

Alstom: A global company specializing in smart and sustainable mobility solutions.

UK Railtours: A company providing charter train services.

GB Railfreight: A rail freight company.

Eastern Rail Services: A company providing rail services.

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