The UK Network Rail group completed a three-year project to electrify a 19km section of the Great Western Main Line between Stockley Junction and Maidenhead as part of the Crossrail project at the end of last month.

Great Western Railway plans to begin operating Bombardier Electrostar electric multiple-unit trains (EMUs) from London Paddington to Maidenhead in May this year and to Didcot in January 2018, while Elizabeth Line services (pictured) will begin using the route in December 2019.

In addition, Govia Thameslink Railway’s Selhurst depot has completed a 30-month project to replace the 518 line inductors from all 182 of its Bombardier Electrostar EMUs with units that Bombardier’s Crewe site had fitted with shields to prevent snow ingress.

Meanwhile, the UK Office of Rail & Road issued a formal notice on 27 March confirming its intention to carry out a periodic review of all track and station-access agreements relating to Network Rail.

The notice requires the UK Transport Secretary and Scottish Ministers to provide “a high-level output statement” by 20 July, setting out what funds are available.