To help train emergency services and transport providers for major incidents on the railway, a new training centre has opened in Birmingham.

The centre, named Birmingham Rail Resilience Hub, has trains, tracks, crossings and numerous other pieces of equipment that have been mocked up to create real-life examples of incidents.

Not only will it help responses to emergencies, but it will also allow for a close partnership between organisations involved, which can work together to improve upon challenges.

The centre also means that the West Midlands is leading emergency planning.

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s central route director, and Martin Colmey, Central route’s operations director, opened the site officially, before the first emergency exercise went underway.

“Every day, we work round-the-clock to keep the railway running safely for passengers and freight across Britain. But we must be prepared for all eventualities and this facility puts the West Midlands at the forefront of training, readiness for day-to-day disruption and dealing with major incidents.

“This hub creates a safe, realistic environment which allows the railway, emergency services and industry partners to learn and work together so we are ready to deal with situations in real life. 

“We hope the scenarios which will be tested here never happen, but training and learning in this way will help everyone be prepared and ready.”

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director