Shake-up proposed to Network Rail's engineering monopoly

Network Rail could lose its monopoly on engineering work if a plan to invite train operators to bid against the firm succeeds.

The Conservative party has proposed a major shake-up of the industry, following sustained criticism of the rail owner and its January maintenance overrun.

Under the plan, train operators would be invited to bid against the owner of the country’s rail system for engineering tasks, reported the Guardian.

The operators would not be able to bid for large-scale engineering work though, but could bid against Network Rail for public funds for smaller jobs such as platform lengthening and station improvements.

The party is also considering strengthening independent oversight of Network Rail by handing greater powers to the rail regulator.

Network Rail told the newspaper it was receptive to any idea “whose sole purpose is to improve the railways, making it better for its millions of daily users.”

Earlier this year Network Rail copped a £14m fine for a four day maintenance overrun on the London to Glasgow line.