Project Aurora: Electrostars Upgrade Benefits UK Rail Passengers

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Introduction

The final ‘Electrostar’ train, unit 387305, has been upgraded through Project Aurora at Southern’s Selhurst depot in South London. The project, which involved 304 trains, was completed on time and on budget over five years.

Project Overview

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) announced the completion of Project Aurora, a modernization scheme for the ‘Electrostar’ fleet. The project included 1,222 carriages and was completed in time for the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. The works were funded by Porterbrook and carried out by Southern engineers.

Key Improvements

The upgrades included the installation of plug sockets, information screens, LED lighting, and improved WiFi. A new digital “backbone” was also implemented to speed up repairs. The trains now feature three pin plug and dual USB sockets at every seat, enhanced passenger information screens with new digital screens at the end of each carriage, and energy-saving LED lighting. New technology to count the number of passengers on a train has been added to adjust and develop timetables. Forward-facing and track debris CCTV has also been installed on every train with the ability to remotely live stream and download images.

Collaboration and Efficiency

At its peak, the project saw two trains fully upgraded and returned to service each week. Alstom provided technical specification, design work, and materials for Project Aurora. The project won the Fleet Achievement of the Year award at the National Rail Awards in 2023 for its efficiency. The project involved collaboration between GTR, Alstom, and other companies.

Operational Impact and Benefits

The upgrades aimed to bring reliability and onboard benefits for passengers on Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern, and Southeastern routes. Smart on-board data recorders and updates to the Train Data Network allow for improved remote monitoring of the train’s operational systems, which helps reliability and reduces the time trains spend out of service for maintenance or repair as engineers can diagnose faults before the train’s arrival. The upgraded trains serve customers in London, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Kent.

Conclusion

Project Aurora, a five-year modernization initiative, has successfully upgraded 304 ‘Electrostar’ trains. The project, funded by Porterbrook and executed by Southern engineers, introduced various enhancements to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency across multiple routes.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) operates the UK’s largest fleet of Electrostars, serving routes between London, Surrey, Sussex, the south coast, Great Northern, Gatwick Express, and Southeastern in Kent.

Porterbrook

Porterbrook is a rolling stock company that funded the Project Aurora upgrades.

Alstom

Alstom provided technical specification, design work, and materials for Project Aurora and has serviced the ‘Electrostar’ fleet for over 20 years.

Technology

CCTV: Forward-facing and track debris CCTV has also been installed on every train with the ability to remotely live stream and download images which aid in incident analysis and reducing future delays.

Train Data Network: Updates to the Train Data Network allow for improved remote monitoring of the train’s operational systems, which helps reliability and reduces the time trains spend out of service for maintenance or repair as engineers can diagnose faults before the train’s arrival.

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