Two of EIM’s members, High Speed 1 and Network Rail, received awards at the European Rail Congress for their continuous efforts in safety and sustainability.

The European Rail 2014 Congress is a unique platform in the European rail market where key players can share insight and challenges that have shaped their industry’s market. The European Rail Congress met Tuesday in London to conduct the 2nd annual Awards Ceremony. Eighteen winners from across Europe were acknowledged for their commitment and groundwork towards the rail industry. EIM especially congratulates its members, High Speed 1 and Network Rail, on achieving their well-deserved recognition.

High Speed 1 took the prize for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability. Their performance has been due to increasing innovation in design and persistent railway landscape management. Through this, they have created a sustainable railway corridor (“green corridor”) which has increased biodiversity while reduced overall maintenance costs.

Excellence in Safety and Security is the first of two awards Network Rail received. Their cable theft prevention strategy team managed to reduce the number of incidents and delay minutes by 82% over the past few years.  Meanwhile, Network Rail’s Glasgow Central Station received the European Rail Station of the Year: Large award. In response to the 2014 Commonwealth games, as well as being the largest and busiest station outside of London, Glasgow Central substantially upgraded with the passenger in mind. All platforms, toilets, showers, escalators and entry gates were rebuilt as well as the installation of a new mobility access point.

EIM’s Executive Director, Monika Heiming, presented the Judges Special Award for Excellence in Infrastructure which recognised FCC Construction for the New Europe Bridge project. FCC Construction has gone above and beyond in building the longest structure crossing the Danube.

Commenting on the awards Mrs Heiming said, “The awards are excellent as they reward and incentivise innovation and investments in the rail sector. I am looking forward to next year’s events.”