Midland Mainline – Rail Electrification Consultancy

Advance TRS Management Consultancy provided essential rail electrification consultancy to support Network Rail’s Midland Mainline Electrification (MMLE) programme—one of the UK’s most transformative infrastructure upgrades. As the most significant investment in the line since 1870, the MMLE supports the Government’s net zero carbon goals by enabling electric trains along the full length of the route. Advance TRS Management Consultancy’s commercial leadership helped ensure the programme remained on track, on budget, and strategically aligned with long-term transport and environmental outcomes.

Midland Mainline Electrification – Route Clearance & OLE125

The Midland Mainline Electrification (MMLE) project, led by Network Rail in the Eastern Region, represents the largest upgrade to the line since its original completion in 1870. This ambitious, multi-phase programme underpins the UK Government’s net zero carbon targets by enabling the use of electric trains throughout the entire Midland Mainline. It is set to deliver a more sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective rail network that supports future generations of passengers and freight.

Key works already delivered include the electrification of the London to Corby route and, more recently, the Kettering to Wigston section. Current works span sections 2 to 8, including critical route clearance operations—altering or demolishing overbridges and undertaking track lowering where needed. Additionally, by July 2025, the rewiring of Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) from 120mph to 125mph (OLE125) is expected to increase both train capacity and journey speeds between London and the Midlands.

Project Objectives

Advance TRS Management Consultancy was appointed to provide rail electrification consultancy expertise focused on maximising the commercial performance of this complex programme. Key objectives included:

1. Supporting electrification and route clearance works through strategic cost and resource management.
2. Controlling expenditure while maintaining programme pace and meeting safety and quality benchmarks.
3. Driving performance across all commercial aspects of the route clearance and OLE125 upgrade works.

Advance TRS Management Consultancy’s Role and Contributions

Advance TRS Management Consultancy embedded a dedicated commercial lead with deep experience in complex infrastructure projects. Working alongside Network Rail’s permanent commercial team and external consultants, our consultancy provided end-to-end commercial oversight to maximise value, manage risk, and maintain delivery momentum.

Key contributions included:

• Strategic commercial advice and performance reporting to senior stakeholders
• Coordination of a blended delivery team comprising internal and external resources
• Active participation in senior leadership meetings to ensure commercial strategies remained aligned with programme goals

This role exemplified how targeted rail electrification consultancy can add value beyond compliance—supporting proactive decision-making, reducing commercial risk, and maintaining delivery assurance.

Rail Electrification Consultancy Delivered by Advance TRS Management Consultancy

• Commercial Management
  Led cost planning, forecasting, and budget controls across route clearance and electrification phases to ensure value for money and transparency.
• Leadership & Resource Oversight
  Managed a mixed team of internal and external stakeholders, optimising delivery outcomes through collaborative leadership.
• Senior Stakeholder Engagement
  Regularly engaged with senior managers and project boards to influence strategic decisions and maintain commercial alignment.

Electrification Consultancy – Midland Mainline

The Midland Mainline Electrification project highlights Advance TRS Management Consultancy’s capability to deliver high-impact rail electrification consultancy on nationally significant transport programmes. Through strategic commercial leadership, we supported Network Rail in delivering a safe, efficient, and future-ready railway—driving decarbonisation, improving service quality, and protecting programme value at every stage.