Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub: Network Rail’s Central Route Training Facility

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Introduction

Network Rail’s Central route has opened the Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub in Aston, a training facility designed to prepare railway staff and emergency services for major incidents. The hub provides a realistic environment with tracks, trains, and level crossings for collaborative training exercises.

Facility Overview

The Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub, developed by Network Rail’s Central route, is a purpose-built site in Aston. It features tracks, trains, level crossings, and other railway infrastructure to create a true-to-life environment. The facility is designed to strengthen collaboration between organizations and improve understanding of challenges faced during incidents. It will serve as a national focal point for emergency planning and training.

Opening and Initial Exercise

The facility was officially opened by Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director, and Martin Colmey, Central route’s operations director. The opening was followed by its first live exercise, which simulated a vehicle being struck by a train on a level crossing with passengers on board. Teams assessed the scene, made the area safe, rescued injured people, and began an investigation.

Collaborative Training and Participants

The opening exercise involved West Midlands Police, British Transport Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service, West Midlands Fire Service, and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. Other organizations in attendance included Nimski, which provided role-play actors, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

Additional Functions and Resources

In addition to its training role, the hub also houses Network Rail’s Central route response teams. The location, with good access to major roads, will also serve as a secure storage base for specialist equipment needed to carry out repairs and maintain the safe operation of the railway.

Conclusion

The Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub, developed by Network Rail, is designed to enhance emergency preparedness through realistic training scenarios for railway staff and emergency services. The facility in Aston will serve as a key resource for the West Midlands, supporting collaboration and improving incident response.

Company Summary

Network Rail: Network Rail’s Central route developed the Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub. It is responsible for managing and maintaining railway infrastructure.

Technology

RAIB: Rail Accident Investigation Branch was in attendance at the opening of the Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub.

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