Carillion on the right track with £120m Thameslink contract
BLACK COUNTRY support services group Carillion has secured a £120m contract to supply construction work for the new Thameslink programme.
Carillion, selected via the Multi Asset Framework Arrangement, will be the Delivery Partner to Network Rail’s Thameslink Team and as such, will be responsible for improvements to depots and stabling sites to allow the introduction of the new 12-car fleet of trains.
The company said the introduction of the fleet of 12-car trains, running to the new enhanced timetable, would bring about a step change in the travelling experience for commuters in London using the Thameslink route through the city.
Carillion said the work was essential to support the provision of a reliable service throughout the Thameslink route.
Carillion chief executive Richard Howson said: “We are delighted to be chosen for this project, which reflects the successful delivery of work to support Network Rail in upgrading the Thameslink route for 12-car trains.
“We will continue to work closely with Network Rail and the train operators to maximise value for money in delivering this important new phase of the Thameslink project.”
The Thameslink project caused controversy in the Midlands last year when the Government awarded the £3bn train-making contract to German giant Siemens rather than Derby-based Bombardier.
The move threatened the future of the Midlands plant, a situation appeased only when the firm was awarded a £188m contract to supply 130 new carriages for the Southern rail company.
