Step inside the Network Rail Village

Explore the people, projects and technologies helping to deliver, maintain and transform Britain’s railway - all in one dedicated destination at Rail LIVE 2026.

From hands-on engineering exhibits and AI-powered maintenance tools to sustainability showcases, safety experiences and skills-focused teams, the Network Rail Village brings together a packed programme of activity across Zone W.

In collaboration with:

Network Rail

What to expect

Live demonstrations

See practical examples of how the railway is maintained, improved and operated.


 

Interactive exhibits

Get hands-on with tools, simulators and experiences designed to bring railway challenges to life.


 

Digital innovation

Explore how AI, data and automation are changing the way Network Rail works.


 

Expert conversations

Meet teams from across Network Rail and discover the priorities shaping the future railway.


 

There'll be lots to see...

đźš‚ Railway 200 Inspiration Train
Step aboard a travelling exhibition celebrating 200 years of rail, bringing together heritage, innovation and hands-on interactive experiences.


 
🌿Network Rail Sustainability Zone
Explore biodiversity, decarbonisation, habitat creation, tree planting and the environmental decisions shaping a greener railway.


 
đź”§ Engineering Services

See how innovative, whole-system thinking is solving real railway challenges across infrastructure, operations and maintenance.


 

 

đźš› Drive Safe Experience

An immersive, interactive experience demonstrating the risks of fatigue and poor driving behaviours — one of the industry’s key safety challenges.


 

 

🎮 Possession Optimisation Simulator

Try an interactive simulator showcasing how engineering access and possession planning is being transformed.

 

 

⚡ Electrification & Zero Emission Fleet

Discover how Network Rail is delivering a greener railway through electrification and the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

 



 

Exhibits Span Three Key Themes:

🛠️ Engineering – Track & Trai

The physical railway: infrastructure, operations and maintenance.

Visitors can explore how Network Rail maintains and improves railway infrastructure through a range of hands-on exhibits, including:

  • Engineering Services
  • Test Tracks
  • Mechanical & Electrical Locking Fitters
  • Possession Optimisation
  • Product Acceptance

đź’» Driving the Digital Railway

Smart systems, AI, and data‑enabled innovation

A range of exhibits will showcase how digital tools and advanced analytics are transforming the railway:

  • Digital Factory
  • DDaT Assets Portfolio
  • Insight
  • Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I)
  • Innovation Acceleration Forum
  • 21st Century Maintenance

đź‘· Building a Safe & Inclusive Railway

Visitors can explore initiatives focused on workforce safety, culture and skills, including:

  • Apprenticeship & Graduate Team
  • Drive Safe
  • Prevention of Sexual Harassment
  • Sentinel / Network Rail Training
  • Commercial & Procurement
  • Standards Management
  • Rail freight
  • Rail Hub