Network Rail has completely reopened Waterloo station in the UK following a series of complex upgrade works that lasted for nearly three and a half weeks.

The modernisation works form part of the £800m Waterloo and South West Upgrade, which included the extension of platforms one to four in order to accommodate longer ten-car trains.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The programme is expected to increase overall capacity at the station by 30% by December next year and support additional 45,000 passengers during peak hours.

Waterloo station faced some initial disruptions following the reopening, as signalling testing took slightly longer than originally anticipated.

Network Rail route managing director Becky Lumlock said: “The work we have completed in three and a half weeks this August will benefit passengers for decades to come.

“The longer platforms will create space for longer trains, making journeys more comfortable for passengers, particularly at the busiest times of day.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The modernisation programme began on 5 August and involved a team of 1,000 personnel.

"The longer platforms will create space for longer trains, making journeys more comfortable for passengers, particularly at the busiest times of day."

The development included the laying of 1,270m of track, in addition to the installation of 230m of pre-cast concrete.

Other works such as the construction of 160m of new platform space and laying seven miles of cable were also carried out during the refurbishment.

Lumlock added: “Over the next 16 months we’ll turn our attention to the final stages of the redevelopment of the former International Terminal.”

Network Rail is responsible for managing and developing the UK’s rail infrastructure, includes 20,000mi of track, 40,000 bridges and viaducts, signals, level crossings and stations.

Image: London Waterloo – Day 1 v Day 23. Photo: courtesy of Network Rail.

Railway Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Railway Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact across the defence sector.

Excellence in Action
MTR Corporation and Dragages Hong Kong triumphed in three categories – Research & Development, Environmental and Safety – for their Kwu Tung Station project . Learn how this future Northern Link–East Rail Line interchange sets new benchmarks in digital construction, decarbonisation and safety management.

Discover the Impact