Network Rail responds after significant disruption on Great Western Mainline

Network Rail says it is carrying out regular inspections to spot any defects in the Great Western Mainline following severe disruption on the key route in recent weeks.

Passengers have faced delays between Maidenhead and London Paddington today due to a set of defective points in the Hayes and Harlington area.

Delays and cancellations were also reported on Tuesday, November 21 due to a broken rail in Iver.

Network Rail said the 200 miles of track it oversees from London Paddington to Didcot Parkway is one of the busiest routes in the country with more trains running than ever before following the full opening of the Elizabeth line.

A spokesperson said: “Monitoring and maintaining this busy railway is a huge undertaking and safety is always our highest priority. 

“We proactively inspect all our track assets - with our measuring train scanning the track every month and teams going out to all key assets to inspect at least every 14 days.

“When inspections identify that assets need to be repaired or replaced we work quickly to do so whilst continuing to run a safe railway for customers.”

Great Western Railway has seen its services between Reading and London Paddington impacted over recent weeks due to defects being identified on the tracks.

A spokesperson for GWR said:"We’re sorry that customers have been affected by these issues over the past few days.

“Network Rail teams are working hard to fix faults as they arise, but this means we are not able to run as many trains as planned. This may also lead to knock on delays and cancellations to other services in the area.

"We continue to work with Network Rail as they seek to provide the consistent and reliable infrastructure our trains depend on.”

Customers who face delays can apply for compensation by visiting www.gwr.com/delayrepay