A new, purpose-built training centre has opened in Aston, Birmingham, designed to prepare railway staff and the emergency services for major incidents on the railway.
The Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub, created by Network Rail’s Central Route, provides a true-to-life training ground featuring mocked-up tracks, trains, level crossings and associated infrastructure. It allows teams from across the rail industry and emergency services to rehearse responses to real-world scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
The hub officially opened with an exercise simulating a collision between a train and a road vehicle at a level crossing. The drill involved making the site safe, rescuing passengers, and commencing an investigation – demonstrating how multiple agencies coordinate during a major incident.
Agencies involved included West Midlands Police, British Transport Police, West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service, and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, supported by role-play actors supplied by Nimski. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) also took part.
Denise Wetton, Network Rail Central Route Director, said the facility put the region “at the forefront of training and readiness”:
“We must be prepared for all eventualities and this hub creates a safe, realistic environment for the railway, emergency services and industry partners to train together. We hope the scenarios tested here never happen, but this way we are ready if they do.”
The RAIB welcomed the new facility, with Andy Lewis, Deputy Chief Inspector, noting:
“A successful response to rail accidents relies on effective collaboration. This facility offers an invaluable opportunity for teams to train together in realistic scenarios, building the trust and mutual understanding needed when responding under real-world pressures.”
As well as training, the site will house Network Rail’s Central Route response teams, who attend daily operational incidents, and provide secure storage for specialist repair equipment. Its location close to Birmingham’s major road network means faster access to the region’s railway in emergencies.
The hub is expected to become a national focal point for resilience training, supporting operators and emergency services across Britain.
