LNER reached major ETCS milestone on the ECML
posted on 22nd Jul 2026 06:46
LNER has reached a significant milestone in its journey towards digital signalling, completing the first live operation of an Azuma train under ETCS Level 2 supervision on the East Coast Main Line.
During testing that took place overnight on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 July 2026, technicians, engineers and drivers worked together, drawing on expertise from across the railway industry. This milestone achievement is due to collaboration between LNER, Network Rail, Agility Trains, Hitachi Rail and LNER test train operator RailAdventure UK, which provides an excellent example of the integrated railway delivering digital innovation.
Travelling between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin, the train and trackside systems were put through their paces to better understand how ETCS Level 2 technology performs at line speed in real operating conditions. The testing also provided an opportunity to use the technology in a controlled live railway operation and to experience how the train operated in ETCS Level 2 areas.
Chris Hobden, ECDP Programme Director, Network Rail, said: "This is a valuable step forward in getting the LNER Azuma trains and the other Hitachi long distance fleets ready for digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line. With this testing we have now successfully used four different onboard systems on Welwyn to Hitchin. Bringing ETCS on to the ECML is a huge challenge with a multiplicity of operators, fleets and onboard systems involved. Migrating regular services to ETCS will be a gradual process which we begin this year and step up in 2027."
Miguel Frade, Engineering Director, Agility Trains, said: "We are delighted to be facilitating the delivery of the East Coast Digital Railway, working in close collaboration with LNER and our industry partners to implement ETCS across the Agility Trains East Coast fleet. Today’s milestone is a crucial step in enhancing the capability of all 65 of our Class 800 and 801 Azumas, which will ultimately deliver increased efficiency, capacity, and safety across the route."
