We are delighted to share that the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) were awarded Outstanding Infrastructure Project of the Year at the 2026 National Rail Awards.

The Old Oak Common (OOC) team were credited with the award for their involvement in the electrification of the Poplar network, a project programme that was delivered to strengthen the resilience of the Western and Anglia networks as part of the On Network Works programme.

In a first dedicated electrification programme for Colas Rail UK, the team delivered multidisciplinary upgrades to the Up and Down Poplar lines, including new overhead line equipment and associated signalling, telecoms and infrastructure works, enabling electric train diversions and improving network resilience.

The judges commented that the project ‘was a welcome electrification infill, well delivered and showing excellent value for money – and showing that electrification CAN be delivered affordably, even in urban London.’

Speaking the success at the National Rail Awards, Project Director, Munaf Ally said

 “This award is recognition of the entire team across Network Rail, AECOM and Colas Rail, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

“From the outset, we focused on developing the right solution at pace, delivering what was needed efficiently and achieving real value for money. By identifying opportunities and risks early, we worked through complex challenges one by one while keeping the overall programme on track.

“My thanks also go to Network Rail as our client for believing in us and trusting us as their delivery partner of choice.”

For more information on what Team OOC delivered as part of this award-winning programme of works, you can read the dedicated article here.

The SRSA’s On Network Works is a partnership between Colas Rail, AECOM and Network Rail, an alliance delivering the rail systems for the new OOC station.

First published: 21st October 2026