Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Thursday, 15th October 2026. InTheNews: The latest rail news on Thursday, 15th October 2026 The InTheNews rail headlines October 15th
InTheNews: The latest rail news on Thursday, 15th October 2026
The headquarters of the new state-owned body for the country’s railways has been announced.
An article on the BBC website says two sites in Derby were shortlisted to become the home of Great British Railways, with the former Duckworth Square, next to the Vaillant Live entertainment venue, being confirmed by the government.
The decision comes after a planning application was submitted to build an eight-storey office building on the brownfield site, which forms part of Derby’s wider £200m Becketwell regeneration scheme.
The government said the decision marked a “significant milestone” which is expected to bring “hundreds of jobs” to the area and a £151m boost to the wider regional economy.
Network Rail has said it intends to award £650m of upgrade works to the AtkinsRéalis, Laing O’Rourke and VolkerRail alliance delivering the £6.6bn East West Rail line.
An article on Construction News says the client published a notice this morning (14 October) setting out plans to extend the East West Rail Alliance’s existing core works contract without a competitive tender.
It said the proposed works will increase capacity on the Marston Vale Line between Bletchley and Stewartby, and the line between Oxford Parkway and Bletchley.
They will also support rail services ahead of the planned opening of the multibillion-pound Universal Studios theme park near Bedford in 2031.
Campaigners hoping to get a more frequent rail service at a station are “waiting anxiously” on the results of a survey looking into the possibility of extending the platforms.
An article on the BBC website says on average currently only about 30% of the trains which pass through Ivybridge station stop there, a main factor of this being the short 104m (341ft) platforms.
Network Rail have conducted the £20,000 feasibility survey, which was funded by South Hams District Council into the possible expansion of the platforms, with the final costings being “undertaken and expect the report to be ready later this month”.
GWR and Cross Country both support and welcome the proposals in a bid to improve rail services offered in the town.
Avanti West Coast has unveiled a cutting-edge immersive learning space to help staff put their skills to test in a safe environment.
Located in the intercity operator’s Talent Academy in Crewe the facility called ‘Immerse’ enlists 270-degree video projections, sound, light and scent to recreate situations on the rail network that can support with learning.
Designed to be a safe and controlled environment, it allows colleagues to experience real-life situations they may encounter in their roles, from standing on a busy platform as a train arrives to observing how customers are supported at ticket gates. It also offers the opportunity to see a station from a customer’s perspective, including that of a child with autism.