Electrification and Plant Design Specialists for Rail

Successfully delivering innovative Rail Electrification and Plant (E&P) design solutions across the UK’s railway network — from lineside infrastructure to complex M&E systems.

Illustatrion of Rail Electric and Power Component

We deliver innovative Rail Electrification and Plant (E&P) design solutions to modernise and upgrade ageing infrastructure across the UK rail network. In alignment with Network Rail’s low-emission objectives and the UK’s Net Zero 2050 targets, our E&P design team develops forward-thinking power and plant strategies that support sustainable rail operations.

As part of Network Rail’s CP7 infrastructure renewal programme, we support the delivery of high-reliability, low-maintenance electrical systems through comprehensive E&P design services. From substation and LV power design to fixed plant layouts and containment routing, we bring deep technical expertise to every scheme — achieving cost efficiencies even in the most challenging, rail-locked environments.

Power Infrastructure That Performs

Protective Systems by Design

Safe, Compliant Station Environments

Accessible & Sustainable Rail Schemes

Traction Power Design with DNO Alignment

Smart Design Through BIM & Integration

Specialised Electrification and Plant (E&P) Design for Rail

At Softech Rail, we provide end-to-end Rail Electrification and Plant (E&P) design services — guiding every project from ES1 concept through to ES5 detailed delivery. Whether designing new infrastructure or upgrading legacy systems, we ensure each solution is efficient, compliant, and future-ready from day one.

Our E&P design process begins with detailed site investigations and surveys, informing robust technical outputs that consider operational constraints, constructability, and long-term maintainability. From traction power layouts to plant room schematics and cable containment design, we bring clarity and precision to every design stage.

We work closely with clients and early-stage supply chain partners to develop integrated solutions that minimise rework and programme risk. By aligning our E&P design activities with adjacent disciplines — including civils, OLE, signalling, and telecoms — we ensure our designs are not only technically sound but also installation-friendly and delivery-aligned.

Our ability to coordinate complex multi-discipline inputs while maintaining compliance with Network Rail and BS/EN standards makes Softech Rail a trusted partner for efficient, high-quality E&P design delivery across the rail sector.

Rail Electrification and Plant Design Image Illustration

Transforming Rail Power Systems Through Design Excellence

At Softech Rail, we support the transformation of railway power systems through detailed, coordinated Electrification and Plant (E&P) design. From early-stage feasibility to fully detailed construction packages and as-built documentation, our team develops robust solutions that drive safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.

We assist clients in specifying and planning for key long-lead equipment — including HV switchgear, transformer units, and modular power assemblies — ensuring design compatibility and early procurement alignment. Our collaborative approach brings together internal engineering expertise with specialist supply chain input, streamlining the route from design to delivery.

Maintaining safe and uninterrupted rail operations is central to our design philosophy. We plan every stage with live environments in mind, coordinating access, phasing, and integration with other works. Whether designing standalone assets or full network upgrades, we focus on reducing risk, protecting passengers, and ensuring long-term resilience across every rail power system we support.

Rail Overhead Lines for Electric and Power showing our rail engineering team's powering solutions

Rail Electrification and Plant Design Capabilities

Softech Rail provides fully integrated design services across the full spectrum of Electrification and Plant (E&P) systems, tailored for both new-build and upgrade projects within the UK rail network. Our capabilities include:

Power System & Distribution Design

  • High Voltage (HV) feeder infrastructure and switchgear renewals

  • 750V DC traction power supplies, substations, and impedance protection systems

  • HV feeder cable renewal design, including oil-filled cable removal

  • DNO (Distribution Network Operator) supply design

  • Low Voltage (LV) distribution design and UPS systems

Station & Facility-Based Electrical Design

  • Station electrical distribution systems and Access for All (AfA) schemes

  • Containment routes (CMS), internal/external lighting, and lighting control systems

  • Emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, and lightning protection

  • Points heating and other fixed plant asset designs

Specialist Control & Safety Systems

  • Signalling power distribution design

  • SCADA and pilot cable control system layouts

  • Earthing and bonding design for AC and DC networks

  • Stray current mitigation and compliance solutions

  • CCTV and station security integration

Digital Design & Coordination

  • BIM modelling and 3D visualisation for spatial coordination and clash detection

  • Multi-disciplinary design integration across signalling, civils, telecoms, and M&E

With deep experience across all ES1–ES5 stages, our team ensures every E&P design is technically sound, buildable, and aligned with Network Rail and industry standards.

Latest Rail E&P PR, News & Insights

The Power of E&P Systems in Railways

When you picture a train journey, you might think of the sleek carriages, the hum of movement, and the clatter of wheels on tracks. But beneath the...

Jan 15, 2025

Our Rail E&P Projects

Barnes Signalling, Telecoms and E&P
ES4, ES5 Designs, Site surveys for the identification of affected cable routes and production of detailed designs. Testing and commissioning
Oct 20, 2023

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