Next generation vegetation and infrastructure digital monitoring trialled on East Coast Main Line

Network Rail, LNER, CrossTech and Hitachi Rail are collaborating to trial the latest in digital asset monitoring to observe the natural environment and track, including vegetation and embankments.

Monitoring areas in real-time further enhances safety, helping detect potential hazards like overhanging or invasive tree species, leaves on the track, or embankment subsidence that could cause harm or delays. Network Rail previously estimated that vegetation-related incidents cost up to £3 million annually in the Southern region alone.

The new forward-facing CCTV camera (FFCCTV) has been installed inside the driver's cabin of a LNER Azuma train for the 12-month trial, which started in May. The operational Azuma train now has a key role in digitising infrastructure monitoring and maintenance on the East Coast Main Line. This solution uses the very latest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera sensor technology.

Automating the detection of potential hazards, combined with pinpointing where maintenance is necessary, enables a proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance. Equally, the trial will provide insights and guidance to optimise when and where maintenance is needed on the East Coast Main Line.

Hitachi Rail is helping to convene the pilot project, using its digital supplier CrossTech. The UK SME is one of Network Rail's AI technology success stories, using computer vision technology to live monitor tracks and the surrounding environment, via data that comes directly from the forward-facing video camera.

The FFCCTV monitoring solution was developed by combining CrossTech technology, with Hitachi Rail's digital expertise to assist with integration, operations and customer interface. This is an excellent example of a global rail business incubating and supporting British SME innovation.

FFCCTV is the latest development in a wider suite of Hitachi digital asset monitoring solutions which can live-monitor tracks, overhead lines and the train itself. These digital solutions, working either independently or in combination, allow for automated and more accurate monitoring to help modernise the railways.