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East Coast Main Line: Digital Technology

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 23278

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Major Projects Annual Report 2025 to 2026, Tables, East Coast Digital Programme, what progress has she made in rebaselining the programme.

Answered by Department for Transport

The East Coast Digital Programme remains a key element of the Government’s plans to deliver a more reliable, higher-performing railway through the deployment of digital signalling technology on the East Coast Main Line.

As set out in the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) Major Projects Annual Report 2025-26 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nista-major-projects-annual-report-2025-26/nista-major-p… ), the programme is in the process of being rebaselined, and the Department is working closely with Network Rail and industry partners to agree the updated delivery schedules, costs and benefits to ensure the programme is deliverable and provides value for money. The outcomes of the rebaselining activity are expected by the end of the year - they will be scrutinised by NISTA.

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