Editing Network Rail (section)

==History==

===Background===
{{See also|Railtrack|British Rail}}
[[Rail transport in Great Britain|Britain's railway system]] was built by private companies, but it was [[nationalisation|nationalised]] by the [[Transport Act 1947]] and run by [[British Rail]]ways until [[Privatisation of British Rail|re-privatisation]] which was begun in 1994 and completed in 1997.<ref>{{cite journal |url = https://www.socresonline.org.uk/7/1/strangleman.html |first = Tim |last = Strangleman |date = 2002 |title = Nostalgia for Nationalisation – the Politics of Privatisation |journal = Sociological Research Online |volume = 7 |number = 1 |pages = 92–105 |doi = 10.5153/sro.701 |s2cid = 144684740 }}</ref><ref name = "wolmar 2005">{{cite news |last = Christian |first = Wolmar |newspaper = [[The Guardian]] |date = 16 July 2005 |url = https://www.theguardian.com/comment/story/0,3604,1529802,00.html |title = Forget Byers: the scandal was in the original sell-off: Railtrack was heading for disaster long before the Hatfield crash}}</ref> As a part of the privatisation process, the railway infrastructure, passenger and freight services were separated into separate organisations. Between 1994 and 2002, the infrastructure was owned and operated by [[Railtrack]], a privately-owned company.<ref name = "parliament summary2010">{{cite web |url = https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN01224/SN01224.pdf |title = Railways: Railtrack, 1994-2002 |date = 24 March 2010 |website = parliament.uk |first = Louise |last = Butcher}}</ref><ref name = "Edmondreplace independent1997">{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/beleaguered-railtrack-seeks-big-hitter-to-replace-edmonds-1257605.html |title = Beleaguered Railtrack seeks 'big hitter' to replace Edmonds |newspaper = The Independent |first1 = Sameena |last1 = Ahmad |first2 = Andrew |last2 = Yates |date = 22 June 1997}}</ref>

A spate of accidents, including the [[Southall rail crash]] in 1997<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/19/newsid_2524000/2524283.stm |title = Six dead in Southall Train Disaster |work = BBC News |date = 19 September 1997}}</ref> and the [[Ladbroke Grove rail crash]] in 1999<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/467919.stm |title = Ladbroke Grove Crash |work = BBC News |date = 11 October 1999}}</ref> called into question the negative consequences that the fragmentation of the railway network had introduced to both safety and maintenance procedures. Railtrack was severely criticised for both its performance for infrastructure improvement and for its safety record.<ref name = "parliament summary2010"/><ref>{{cite journal |url = https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00036840903476379?journalCode=raec20 |title = The rise and fall of Railtrack PLC: an event study |journal = Applied Economics |volume = 43 |date = 2011 |issue = 23 |pages = 3143–3153|doi = 10.1080/00036840903476379 |last1 = Glass |first1 = Anthony |s2cid = 154603770 }}</ref> The [[Hatfield train crash]] on 17 October 2000 was a defining moment in the collapse of Railtrack.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/17/newsid_2491000/2491425.stm |title = Four dead in Hatfield Train Crash |work = BBC News |date = 17 October 2000 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080307134427/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/17/newsid_2491000/2491425.stm |archive-date = 7 March 2008 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> The immediate major repairs undertaken across the whole British railway network were estimated to have cost in the order of [[Pound sterling|£]]580 million and Railtrack had no idea how many more 'Hatfields' were waiting to happen because it had lost considerable in-house engineering skill following the sale or closure of many of the engineering and maintenance functions of [[British Rail]] to external companies; nor did the company have any way of assessing the consequence of the speed restrictions it was ordering. These restrictions brought the railway network to an almost total standstill and drew significant public ire.<ref name = "timeline guardian2002">{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/jun/27/transport.uk |title = Timeline: Railtrack |newspaper = The Guardian |first1 = Mark |last1 = Tran |first2 = Sarah |last2 = Left |first3 = Philip |last3 = Pank |date = 27 June 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1482439/Hatfield-crash-was-disaster-waiting-to-happen.html |title = Hatfield crash "was disaster waiting to happen" |newspaper = [[The Daily Telegraph]] |date = 31 January 2005 |access-date = 22 August 2016 |archive-date = 10 February 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180210181641/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1482439/Hatfield-crash-was-disaster-waiting-to-happen.html |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/989218.stm|title=Railtrack shuts down West Coast Main Line |work = BBC News |date = 25 October 2000 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131110021218/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/989218.stm|archive-date = 10 November 2013 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> According to railway historian [[Christian Wolmar]], Railtrack's board panicked in the wake of Hatfield.<ref>{{cite book |last = Wolmar |first = Christian |title = On the Wrong Line |publisher = Aurum Press |date = 2005 |isbn = 978-1-85410-998-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HSMzj9wC_soC&pg=PT290|page=290|via=Google Books}}</ref> Railtrack's first chief executive, John Edmonds, had pursued a deliberate strategy of [[outsource|outsourcing]] engineers' work wherever possible with the goal of reducing costs.<ref name = "Edmonds obituarytelegraph">{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2020/05/27/john-edmonds-executive-forced-radical-changes-british-rail/ |title = John Edmonds, executive who forced through radical changes at British Rail – obituary |newspaper = The Telegraph |date = 27 May 2020}}</ref>
 
Various major schemes being undertaken by Railtrack had also gone awry. The modernisation of the [[West Coast Main Line]] had suffered from spiralling costs, rising from an estimated £2 billion to roughly £10 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/565507.stm |title = Repair costs spiral to £5bn |work = BBC News |date = 15 December 1999 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131110021245/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/565507.stm |archive-date = 10 November 2013 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> This programme suffered failures that were technical as well as managerial, such as the [[moving block]] signalling apparatus being immature for such a busy mixed-traffic mainline.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/apr/01/transport.uk |title = The main players in the £10bn rail fiasco |newspaper = The Guardian |first = James |last = Meek |date = 1 April 2004 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title = The Modernisation of the West Coast Main Line |url = https://www.nao.org.uk/report/the-modernisation-of-the-west-coast-main-line/ |access-date = 21 July 2021 |website = [[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]] |date = 22 November 2006 |archive-date = 21 July 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150856/https://www.nao.org.uk/report/the-modernisation-of-the-west-coast-main-line/ |url-status = live}}</ref> In 2000, reports emerged that Railtrack may not be able to go through with its planned commitment to purchase section 2 of [[High Speed 1]], resulting in disruption and uncertainty for that programme as well.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/may/30/7 |title = Railtrack funding of Channel rail link in doubt again |first = Keith |last = Harper |date = 30 May 2000 |newspaper = The Guardian |access-date = 1 August 2009 |location = London |archive-date = 8 May 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140508231457/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/may/30/7 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/railtrack-could-ditch-new-channel-rail-link-702632.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091201134427/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/railtrack-could-ditch-new-channel-rail-link-702632.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 1 December 2009 |title = Railtrack could ditch new Channel rail link |first = Michael |last = Harrison |date = 16 January 2001 |newspaper = The Independent |access-date = 1 August 2009 |location = London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/railtrack-to-lose-its--newline-monopoly-689651.html |title = Railtrack to lose its new-line monopoly |first = Colin |last = Brown |date = 1 April 2001 |newspaper = The Independent |access-date = 1 August 2009 |location = London}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In February 2001, Steve Marshall, Railtrack's chairman, warned that Railtrack could have a net debt of approximately £8 billion by 2003.<ref name = "sciencemuseum summary">{{cite web |url = https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/ap268/railtrack-group-plc |title = Railtrack Group PLC |website = sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk |access-date = 5 December 2022}}</ref> During May 2001, Railtrack announced that, despite making a pre-tax profit before exceptional expenses of £199m, the £733m of costs and compensation paid out over the Hatfield crash had plunged Railtrack from profit into a loss of £534m,<ref>{{cite news |title = Railtrack in line for all-clear on borrowing |first = Arthur |last = Leathley |newspaper = [[The Times]] |date = 25 May 2001 |place = London}}</ref> and it approached the government for funding, which it controversially used to pay a £137m [[dividend]] to its [[shareholder]]s in May 2001.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2720891/Railtrack-shares-dive-to-all-time-low.html |title = Railtrack shares dive to all time low |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date = 6 June 2001 |place = London |first = Alistair |last = Osborne |access-date = 20 May 2010 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110312232151/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2720891/Railtrack-shares-dive-to-all-time-low.html |archive-date = 12 March 2011 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> Months later, Railtrack sought another bailout from the government.<ref name = "wolmar 2005"/><ref name = "timeline guardian2002"/> On 7 October 2001, Railtrack plc was placed into railway administration under the Railways Act 1993, following an application to the [[High Court of Justice of England and Wales|High Court]] by the then [[Secretary of State for Transport|Transport Secretary]], [[Stephen Byers]].<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/railtrack-goes-bankrupt-with-debts-of-acircpound33bn-630604.html |title = Railtrack goes bankrupt with debts of £3.3bn |newspaper = The Independent |date = 8 October 2001 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110312220300/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/railtrack-goes-bankrupt-with-debts-of-acircpound33bn-630604.html |archive-date = 12 March 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.christianwolmar.co.uk/2001/10/rail-420-why-railtracks-fall-was-a-revolution-waiting-to-happen/ |title = Rail 420: Why Railtrack's fall was a revolution waiting to happen |website = christianwolmar.co.uk |date = 17 October 2001}}</ref>

===Initial activities===
[[File:GB Rail Subsidy, 1985-2019.png|thumb|400px|GB total rail subsidy 1985–2019 (in 2018-19 prices), showing a short decline in subsidy after privatisation, followed by a steep rise following the [[Hatfield rail crash|Hatfield crash]] in 2000 then a further increase to fund [[Crossrail]] and [[High Speed 2|HS2]] development.<ref name=orr-20191114>{{cite report |url=https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/1548/rail-finance-statistical-release-2018-19.pdf |title=2018-19 Annual Statistical Release - Rail Finance |author=Tom Leveson Gower |publisher=Office of Rail and Road |date=14 November 2019 |access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref>]]

Network Rail Ltd. was created with the express purpose of taking over Britain's railway infrastructure control; this was achieved via its purchase of Railtrack plc from Railtrack Group plc for £500 million; Railtrack plc was then renamed and reconstituted as ''Network Rail Infrastructure Limited''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.busman.qmul.ac.uk/research/researchcentres/Thecentreformanagementandorganisationalhistory/148170.pdf |page = 18 |title = Accounting for Producer Needs: The case of Britain's rail infrastructure |publisher = Centre for Management and Organisational History |access-date = 12 October 2015 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075330/http://www.busman.qmul.ac.uk/research/researchcentres/Thecentreformanagementandorganisationalhistory/148170.pdf |archive-date = 4 March 2016 }}</ref> The transaction was completed on 3 October 2002.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2267597.stm |work = BBC News |title = Network Rail closer to Railtrack takeover |date = 18 September 2002 |access-date = 20 May 2010 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090917043501/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2267597.stm |archive-date = 17 September 2009 |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2002/sep/16/transportintheuk.society |title = Think tank lays into Network Rail structure |work = The Guardian |date = 16 September 2002}}</ref> The former company had thus never ceased to exist but continued under another name: for this reason Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd was the defendant in later prosecutions in respect of events which had occurred in the days of Railtrack.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

Network Rail owns the infrastructure, including the railway tracks, signals, overhead wires, tunnels, bridges, level crossings and most stations, but not the passenger or commercial freight rolling stock, other than its limited [[departmental train|departmental stock]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} While it owns over 2,500 railway stations, it manages only 20 of the biggest and busiest of them as all the other stations are managed by the various train operating companies (TOCs).<ref name="networkrail.co.uk">{{cite web |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/passengers/our-stations/ |title=Our stations |publisher=Network Rail |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228085629/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/passengers/our-stations/ |archive-date=28 February 2017  |access-date=27 February 2017 }}</ref> Network Rail should not be confused with [[National Rail]], the latter is a brand rather than an organisation, used to inform and promote a nationwide network of passenger railway services. The majority of Network Rail lines also carry freight traffic; some lines are freight only. A few lines that carry passenger traffic are not part of the National Rail network (such as the [[Tyne and Wear Metro]] and the [[London Underground]]). Conversely, a few National Rail services operate over track which is not part of the Network Rail network, such as the line between [[Harrow-on-the-Hill station|Harrow-on-the-Hill]] and [[Amersham station|Amersham]] being owned by London Underground.<ref>{{cite book |last = Yonge |first = John |editor-last = Jacobs |editor-first = Gerald |title = Railway Track Diagrams 5: Southern & TfL |edition = 3rd |date = November 2008 |orig-year = 1994 |publisher = Trackmaps |location = Bradford on Avon |isbn = 978-0-9549866-4-3 |at = maps 41C, 42A, 42B, 43A }}</ref>

Following an initial period in which Network Rail established itself and demonstrated its competence in addressing the principal challenges of improving asset condition, reducing unit costs and tackling delay, the Government's Rail Review in 2004 said that Network Rail should be given responsibility for whole-industry performance reporting, timetable development, specification of small and medium network enhancements, and the delivery of route-specific utilisation strategies (RUS).<ref name=ORR-2005-06-Q4>{{cite web |url= http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/nr_monitor_q4-gb.pdf.pdf |title=Network Monitor (Great Britain) |publisher=[[Office of Rail Regulation]] |date=31 March 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090327121138/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/nr_monitor_q4-gb.pdf.pdf |archive-date=27 March 2009 }}</ref> Some of these are functions which Network Rail already had; others – such as the obligation to devise [[Route Utilisation Strategy|route utilisation strategies]] – were transferred to Network Rail from the [[Strategic Rail Authority]], a non-departmental public body, part of the UK government. The SRA was abolished in November 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategic-rail-authority-annual-report-and-accounts-period-ended-30-november-2006 |title=Strategic Rail Authority annual report and accounts period ended 30 November 2006 |access-date=7 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150707173524/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategic-rail-authority-annual-report-and-accounts-period-ended-30-november-2006 |archive-date=7 July 2015 }}</ref>

Network Rail initially sub-contracted much of the infrastructure work to private maintenance companies, such as [[Carillion]] and [[Babcock International Group|First Engineering]]; other sub-contractors perform specialist work or additional labour, such as Prima Services Group, Sky Blue, Balfour Beatty, Laboursite, BCL, Atkins (Atkins Rail) and McGinleys.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} In October 2003, Network Rail announced that it would take over all infrastructure maintenance work from private contractors, following concerns about the quality of work carried out by certain private firms and spiralling costs.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/schemes/students-and-graduates/advanced-apprenticeship-scheme/ |title=UK brings infrastructure maintenance back in-house |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161026233524/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/schemes/students-and-graduates/advanced-apprenticeship-scheme/ |archive-date=26 October 2016 }}</ref> In 2007, it was announced that the number of track renewal contractors would be reduced from six to four; [[Amey plc|Amey]]/[[Seco Rail|SECO]], [[Balfour Beatty]], [[Babcock International Group|Babcock First Engineering]] and [[Jarvis plc]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-announces-track-renewal-changes |title=Network Rail Announces Track Renewal Changes |work=News Releases |date=11 September 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161027055036/http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-announces-track-renewal-changes |archive-date=27 October 2016 }}</ref> Network Rail has expanded its in-house engineering skills, including funding of apprenticeship and foundation degree schemes, and has reported significant savings from transferring work away from contracting companies. Additional work was taken back in-house after the serious [[Potters Bar rail crash|accident at Potters Bar]] and other accidents at Rotherham and King's Cross led to Jarvis's collapse into administration in March 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8586663.stm |title = Jarvis to call in administrators |date = 25 March 2010 |work = [[BBC News]]}}</ref>

The company moved its headquarters to Kings Place, 90 York Way, from 40 Melton Street, Euston, in August 2008. Two months later, Sir [[Ian McAllister]] announced that he would not stand for re-election as chairman of Network Rail after holding the position for six years. He noted that as Network Rail moved to a "new phase in its development" it was appropriate for a new chairman to lead it there.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7649957.stm |title=Network Rail boss stepping down |work=BBC News |date=3 October 2008 |access-date=8 October 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081006095438/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7649957.stm |archive-date=6 October 2008 }}</ref> Network Rail also has a 15-year lease on Square One in Manchester with 800 staff in one of Manchester's largest refurbished office spaces.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/network-rail-moves-into-old-depot-998602 |access-date=26 October 2016 |title=Network Rail moves into old depot |date=16 April 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161026232339/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/network-rail-moves-into-old-depot-998602 |archive-date=26 October 2016 }}</ref> During June 2012, work was completed on the company's new national centre, known as the [[Quadrant:MK]]. Based in [[Milton Keynes]] about five minutes' walk from {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}}, it comprises four buildings connected to a central street, accommodating more than 3,000 people. Various divisions, including engineering, logistics, operations (including timetable planning), IT, procurement, planning and finance departments, and Route Services Supply Chain operations have been transferred to the Quadrant.<ref name=rg>{{cite web|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/network-rail-opens-the-quadrantmk.html |title=Network Rail opens The Quadrant:MK |date=11 June 2012 |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113164805/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/network-rail-opens-the-quadrantmk.html |archive-date=13 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Allegations and controversies===
In 2009, allegations appeared in the media from the [[Transport Salaried Staffs' Association]] concerning treatment of Network Rail employees. Former chief executive [[Iain Coucher]] was also accused of financial impropriety involving unspecified payments to his business partner Victoria Pender during his tenure at Network Rail.<ref name="guardian-may 2011">{{cite news |last = Milmo |first = Dan |title = Iain Coucher set to be cleared of misusing Network Rail funds |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/may/23/iain-coucher-cleared-of-misuse-of-funds |access-date=9 March 2012 |date = 23 May 2011 |newspaper = The Guardian |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131110035120/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/may/23/iain-coucher-cleared-of-misuse-of-funds |archive-date = 10 November 2013 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> An internal investigation held by Network Rail in 2010, vetted by its auditors [[PricewaterhouseCoopers]], uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing. An independent enquiry headed by Anthony White QC in 2011 further examined the claims, but also exonerated Coucher.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8287674/Network-Rail-inquiry-launched-into-misuse-of-public-funds-and-illicit-payments.html |place = London |work = The Daily Telegraph |first = Andrew |last = Hough |title = Network Rail: inquiry launched into 'misuse of public funds and illicit payments' |date = 28 January 2011 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180514131133/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8287674/Network-Rail-inquiry-launched-into-misuse-of-public-funds-and-illicit-payments.html |archive-date = 14 May 2018 |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1dcf5bba-d6fe-11df-aaab-00144feabdc0,s01=1.html#axzz1E7DUYExM |title = Cash inquiry moves closer for Network Rail |newspaper = The Financial Times |date = 13 October 2010 }}</ref>

Critical commentary appeared in the media concerning the [[Knight Bachelor|knighthood]] awarded to John Armitt in the [[2012 New Year Honours]] for services to engineering and construction. Armitt was Chief Executive of Network Rail at the time of the 2007 [[Grayrigg derailment]] and the family of a victim of the accident criticised the award, which coincidentally was conferred on the same day that Network Rail were prosecuted for the accident.<ref name=bbc-knighthood>{{cite news |title = Grayrigg crash victim's son 'disgusted' by knighthood |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-17223196 |access-date = 2 March 2012 |newspaper = BBC News |date = 1 March 2012 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120302180319/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-17223196 |archive-date = 2 March 2012 |df = dmy-all}}</ref>

In 2023, one of Network Rail's managing directors resigned after a litany of problems in the areas she was responsible for. Michelle Handforth resigned after infrastructure problems left hundreds of passengers stranded in carriages in London, one of the latest issues with the lines outside [[Paddington Station]]. The [[Office of Rail and Road]] was already investigating poor reliability and punctuality in the Wales and Western region.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67742682 |place = London |work = BBC News |first = Vivienne |last = Nunis |title = Network Rail manager for stranded passenger line quits |date = 18 December 2023 }}</ref>

===Regional reorganisation and shared responsibilities===
During February 2011, it was announced that Network Rail had begun the process of reorganising its operational structure into nine semi-autonomous regional entities, each with their own managing director; the first two units to be created were Scotland and Wessex regions.<ref>{{Cite press release |url= http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Press-Releases/NETWORK-RAIL-MOVES-TO-CREATE-DEVOLVED-BUSINESS-UNITS-16b3/SearchCategoryID-2.aspx |title=Network rail moves to create devolved business units |date=21 February 2011 |publisher=Network Rail |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110225140522/http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Press-Releases/NETWORK-RAIL-MOVES-TO-CREATE-DEVOLVED-BUSINESS-UNITS-16b3/SearchCategoryID-2.aspx |archive-date=25 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8337801/Network-Rail-break-up-revealed.html |title=Network Rail break-up revealed |date=22 February 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |place=London |first=Louise |last=Armitstead |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160324122122/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8337801/Network-Rail-break-up-revealed.html |archive-date=24 March 2016 }}</ref> The reorganisation has been interpreted as a move back towards vertical integration of track and train operations.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8338702/Network-Rail-has-taken-the-first-step-towards-recoupling-tracks-and-trains.html |title=Network Rail has taken the first step towards recoupling tracks and trains |first=Jonathan |last=Russell |date=21 February 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |place=London |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160324121920/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8338702/Network-Rail-has-taken-the-first-step-towards-recoupling-tracks-and-trains.html |archive-date=24 March 2016 }}</ref>

In December 2016, the Transport Secretary, [[Chris Grayling]] announced that Network Rail would lose sole control of track maintenance and repairs, and instead would share this with the Train Operating Companies.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/02/exclusive-network-rail-stripped-control-britains-train-tracks/ |title = Network Rail to be stripped of control over Britain's train tracks as operators will win power to improve services |newspaper = The Telegraph |date = 2 December 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171226155133/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/02/exclusive-network-rail-stripped-control-britains-train-tracks/ |archive-date = 26 December 2017 |df = dmy-all |last1 = Hope |first1 = Christopher |last2 = Harley |first2 = Nicola }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/dec/03/private-firms-to-take-over-rail-maintenance-work-of-network-rail |last = Rawlinson |first = Kevin |title = Network Rail to lose sole control of rail maintenance |date = 2 December 2016 |newspaper = The Guardian |access-date = 27 January 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170113070700/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/dec/03/private-firms-to-take-over-rail-maintenance-work-of-network-rail |archive-date = 13 January 2017 |df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.itv.com/news/2016-12-03/network-rail-to-be-stripped-of-monopoly-over-britains-railway-tracks/ |title = Network Rail 'to be stripped of monopoly over running Britain's railway tracks' |date = 3 December 2016 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161203104939/http://www.itv.com/news/2016-12-03/network-rail-to-be-stripped-of-monopoly-over-britains-railway-tracks/ |archive-date = 3 December 2016 |df = dmy-all}}</ref>

===Electrification schemes===
During March 2011, the British government announced that the [[Great Western Main Line]] would be electrified as far as Bristol Temple Meads.<ref>{{Cite web |date = 1 March 2011 |title = Great Western electrification and IEP to go ahead |url = https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/general/2011/03/01-great-western-electrification-and-iep.html |access-date = 1 July 2020 |website = Railnews |archive-date = 16 July 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210716084207/https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/general/2011/03/01-great-western-electrification-and-iep.html |url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Network Rail |date=June 2011 |title=Modernising the Great Western |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/uploadedFiles/networkrailcouk/Contents/Improvements/The_Great_Western/WesternVision.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413065743/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/uploadedFiles/networkrailcouk/Contents/Improvements/The_Great_Western/WesternVision.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2013 |page=9}}</ref> Within four years, this programme, which was headed by Network Rail, was beset by poor planning and cost overruns, leading to the shortcomings being scrutinised by Parliament.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/news-parliament-2015/network-rail-investment-programme-report-published-15-16 |title = Rail users will pay price for failure in investment planning |date = 20 November 2015 |access-date = 24 March 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161130184447/http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/news-parliament-2015/network-rail-investment-programme-report-published-15-16/ |archive-date = 30 November 2016 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> Specifically, the projected cost had increased from £1.2 billion to £2.8 billion by the end of 2015,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.langportleveller.co.uk/2017/03/03/great-western-disaster |title = Great Western Disaster |date = 3 March 2017 |access-date = 24 March 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170325201750/http://www.langportleveller.co.uk/2017/03/03/great-western-disaster/ |archive-date = 25 March 2017 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> while the project's timetable was also delayed to the extent that the government had to request [[Hitachi Rail|Hitachi]] to retrofit the new high speed trainsets procured under the [[Intercity Express Programme]] with diesel engines as well as electric traction.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/electrification-dubbed-shambles-multi-billion-10287160 |title = Electrification dubbed 'shambles' as multi-billion pound electric trains may also have diesel engines because tracks won't be ready |date = 19 October 2015 |access-date = 24 March 2017 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170901153340/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/electrification-dubbed-shambles-multi-billion-10287160 |archive-date = 1 September 2017 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> In July 2017, the government announced that, in response to the programme's continued difficulties, the scope of the electrification scheme had been decreased; specifically, it would only be completed as far as Thingley Junction, {{convert|2|mi|km|spell=in}} west of Chippenham, while the electrification of other lines, including Bristol Parkway to Temple Meads and Didcot to Oxford, was also postponed.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/20/grayling-sparks-fury-by-scrapping-rail-electrification-plans |title = Grayling sparks fury by scrapping rail electrification plans |last = Topham |first = Gwyn |date = 20 July 2017 |work = The Guardian |access-date = 23 December 2017 |issn = 0261-3077 |archive-date = 16 July 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210716084149/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/20/grayling-sparks-fury-by-scrapping-rail-electrification-plans |url-status = live}}</ref>

During 2011, work commenced to extend the electrification of the [[Midland Main Line]], including to both Corby and Nottingham.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/electrification-to-reach-market-harborough/48150.article|title=Electrification to reach Market Harborough}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Spades in ground as government delivers on rail investment promise for North and Midlands|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spades-in-ground-as-government-delivers-on-rail-investment-promise-for-north-and-midlands|access-date=21 December 2021|website=GOV.UK|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=21 December 2021|title=Main works on next stage of Midland Main Line electrification due to begin|url=https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/main-works-on-next-stage-of-midland-main-line-electrification-due-to-begin/|access-date=21 December 2021|website=RailBusinessDaily|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rail industry welcomes progress on Midland Mainline electrification|url=https://www.riagb.org.uk/RIA/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Progress_on_MML_electrification.aspx|access-date=21 December 2021|website=www.riagb.org.uk}}</ref> In July 2017, it was announced the then-Secretary of State for Transport [[Chris Grayling]] that the electrification scheme north of Kettering to Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield had been cancelled and that bi-mode trains would be used instead.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Butcher|first=Louise|date=22 February 2021|title=Rail electrification|url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05907/|language=en-GB|journal=|access-date=22 February 2021|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506031746/https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05907/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=20 July 2017|title=Rail electrification plans scrapped by government|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40669869|access-date=24 February 2021|archive-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401201112/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40669869|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in May 2022, a briefing to contractors was released ahead of an invitation to tender for Midland Mainline Electrification project work to extend electrification to Nottingham and Sheffield. This scheme is expected to cost £1.3&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/contractors-alerted-to-next-phase-of-1-3bn-midland-main-line-electrification-24-05-2022/|title=Contractors alerted to next phase of £1.3bn Midland Main Line electrification |date=24 May 2022 }}</ref>

[[File:Blackfriars Railway Bridge from Tate Modern.jpg|thumb|Blackfriars Railway Bridge with photo-voltaic roof panels]]
Network Rail has undertaken numerous schemes to develop its own renewable electrical generation footprint, which is used in part to power the operational railway. In January 2014, Network Rail opened the world's largest [[Solar power|solar-powered]] bridge, adjacent to the remains of the old [[Blackfriars Railway Bridge]], across the [[River Thames]]. The roof of the new railway bridge is covered with 4,400 [[Photovoltaics|photovoltaic]] panels, providing up to half of the energy requirement for [[Blackfriars station|London Blackfriars station]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/22/worlds-largest-solar-powered-bridge-opens-in-london |title = World's largest solar-powered bridge opens in London |date = 22 January 2014 |work = [[The Guardian]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170202125427/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/22/worlds-largest-solar-powered-bridge-opens-in-london |archive-date = 2 February 2017 |url-status = live}}</ref> Solar panels are used at various locations across Network Rail's property portfolio, including stations and depots.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.solarsense-uk.com/casestudies/scarborough-rail-depot/ |title = Casestudy: Scarborough Rail Depot |date = 6 March 2020 |publisher = solarsense-uk.com |access-date = 8 December 2022}}</ref> In August 2022, an agreement between the company and [[Électricité de France|EDF]] was signed to provide more solar energy.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://tandlonline.com/rail/network-rail-signs-solar-panel-agreement-with-edf-renewables-38398 |title = Network Rail Signs Solar Panel Agreement with EDF Renewables |publisher = tandlonline.com |date = 11 August 2022}}</ref>

===Planned demise===
In May 2021, the Conservative UK government announced that Network Rail would be superseded by a new body, [[Great British Railways]], in 2023.<ref name="GreatBritishRailways">{{Cite news|date=19 May 2021|title=Rail services to come under unified state control|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57176858|access-date=19 May 2021}}</ref> After some delay,<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2022 |title=Great British Railways transport bill shelved |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-63313823 |access-date=26 November 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref> the new body was established by the successor Labour government in November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Michael |date=1 July 2024 |title=Labour plans to abolish Network Rail |url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2135497-labour-plans-to-abolish-network-rail |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=TheBusinessDesk.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2024 |title=New Chair appointed to drive forward major rail reform |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-chair-appointed-to-drive-forward-major-rail-reform |access-date=13 December 2024 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Thomas |date=1 May 2024 |title=Culture change vital for Great British Railways to not be Network Rail 2.0, says chief executive |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/culture-change-vital-for-great-british-railways-to-not-be-network-rail-2-0-says-chief-executive-01-05-2024/ |access-date=13 December 2024 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Network Rail sign at Ledbury railway station.jpg|thumb|Sign showing the Network Rail name on the [[signal box]] at {{rws|Ledbury}}]]