Network Rail, in collaboration with British drone companies Drone Major Limited and Dronecloud, has launched trials of “beyond visual line of sight” (BVLOS) drone operations, aimed at revolutionising aerial monitoring and incident response on the UK’s rail network. The innovative technology promises to significantly improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance safety for both passengers and rail freight customers.
The trials are exploring the potential of BVLOS drones to cover extensive track distances, bridging the gap between traditional drones and Network Rail’s helicopter operations. With trespass incidents causing over 1.5 million minutes of delays since April 2024, the rapid response capabilities of drones are seen as a game-changer. Moreover, aerial surveying can expedite maintenance by allowing engineers to pinpoint faults quickly, minimising the need for lengthy trackside inspections.
Two key trials are currently underway, focusing on establishing safe operating protocols and securing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval for wider deployment.
In Birmingham, a drone operations centre, established by Dronecloud at Network Rail’s Rail Operating Centre, is providing aerial coverage of the city’s network. The centre, operated in partnership with RUAS and drone manufacturers Velos Motors & Evolve, has CAA permission for a 10km operational range. The system has already proven its value, significantly reducing passenger disruption during a recent incident at Birmingham New Street.
While currently requiring visual observers, the aim is to achieve full BVLOS capability upon CAA approval, expected later this year.
Meanwhile, in Wolverhampton and on the Severn Valley Railway, Drone Major and Network Rail are trialling “Digital Tethering™,” a system designed for BVLOS operations in areas with poor GPS/GNSS coverage.
Both trials aim to demonstrate faster incident response times while ensuring the safety of trains, personnel, and lineside neighbours.
Network Rail’s programme manager for national drone strategy, Dominic Mottram said: “The potential for these projects to deliver a more reliable, safer railway for our passengers and colleagues is huge and could even be a game-changer.
“We operate one of the safest railways in the world, but it is also one of the busiest, so keeping trains running reliably while monitoring tracks and dealing with incidents can be a challenge and delays can spread quickly and far from the original source. Information provided by drones will mean our colleagues’ expertise in maintaining the railway can be focussed where it is needed, without exposing them to the risk of the ‘live railway’, and instances of trespass can be tackled much more quickly.”
Jan Domaradzki CEO of Dronecloud said: “Dronecloud’s vision is to deploy multiple Hubs with satellite drones ports to deliver a common capability for all asset managers and drone operators needing to fly BVLOS across the UK. This will be a truly game-changing capability, opening the door for centralised mass-scale deployment of drones across all Critical National Infrastructure.”
Robert Garbett, Founder and Chief Executive of Drone Major Limited commented: “Drones represent enormous opportunities across a huge number of industries. Network Rail’s initiative as a ‘first mover’ in trialling our Digital Tethering™ concept sets an example worldwide. In the UK, it presents an opportunity to fully modernise our rail infrastructure; deliver a faster, safer, more effective and efficient service for customers; and ultimately drive economic growth for the whole of the UK.”
The trials aim to secure CAA approval for widespread BVLOS drone usage, paving the way for the technology to be adopted across the rail network and beyond, solidifying the UK’s position as a global leader in this field.
*Network Rail’s helicopter remains a vital asset, particularly for remote areas like the Scottish Highlands and London, where its long-range capabilities and advanced imaging systems are essential.
