Track maintenance cost Network Rail £95m

The increased cost of track maintenance was a major factor in a massive rise in half-year pre-tax losses for Network Rail, it has emerged today (Thursday).

The rail operator saw losses jump to £233m from £3m for the first six months of the year with maintenance a major contributor to a £95m operating loss. 

The shock figure is the latest blow for the not-for-profit company. Last month, it came under fire from the seven rail maintenance contractors who it dumped - and they have admitted they were unsure about ever trusting the client again.

And this week, the same contractors admitted they would be looking to "screw" Network Rail for every penny when it attempts to rent their specialist plant.  

Network Rail, which took over from private firm Railtrack last year, added that it is raising its investment in the country's rail infrastructure, with maintenance spending increasing to £685m from £583m.