Recent Achievements

Project Aurora: Demonstrating in-house rail engineering expertise 

a train in a station
Case Study at a glance

270

trains

5

years

£100million

investment

Project Aurora is a groundbreaking fleet modernisation programme delivered by Go-Ahead’s Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) on behalf of Porterbrook, the owner of the Electrostar trains. Spanning from 2020 to 2025, the project will see 270 trains (Classes 377 and 387) upgraded with modern features designed to enhance passenger journeys. Alstom is handling the technical specifications, design, and materials, while GTR is responsible for the installation and testing at Selhurst depot.

GTR was uniquely contracted to undertake this extensive upgrade programme—a responsibility typically outsourced to third-party providers.

Modernising the fleet

  • 2020 – Project launch
  • 2021 – First upgraded train returned to service
  • 2023 (July) – 135th train upgraded and returned to service
  • 2025 – Programme completion

The upgraded trains feature enhanced passenger information services with new digital screens, plug and dual USB sockets at every seat and energy saving LED lighting throughout.  Alongside these customer-focused upgrades, automatic passenger counting tools are installed to help GTR analyse services and manage timetables effectively.

Enhanced on-board data recorders and upgrades to the Train Data Network enable advanced remote monitoring of the trains’ operational systems. This improves reliability and minimises downtime for maintenance or repairs. Additionally, every train is equipped with forward-facing and track debris CCTV, offering remote live-streaming and image download capabilities.

A streamlined maintenance schedule

To achieve this modernisation, two trains are fully upgraded every week at GTR’s depot in Selhurst and are then returned to service when complete. This schedule allows GTR to take trains out of service for upgrades without affecting the number of trains available for passenger services.

Once completed, all 270 trains combined will have required 250kms of wiring, 35,000 lighting tubes, 32,000 power/dual USB sockets and 2.5 million fixings and fasteners.

“I am delighted that GTR’s own highly skilled Selhurst Depot team will be delivering this upgrade programme on our behalf.” Mary Grant, Porterbrook Chief Executive Officer

Ensuring every train has the same modern standards, with common features across the whole fleet, makes it simpler for engineers to plan and complete maintenance and repairs. This keeps each Electrostar out in service for longer, reducing delays and cancellations across the network.

a train on the tracks a group of women walking on a platform next to a train
“”
This project continues to successfully deliver upgrades to the Electrostar fleets for GTR customers. The works are on-time and on budget, and shows the huge benefits of working closely with our partners at GTR and Porterbrook.

Peter Broadley

Alstom Managing Director Services

Industry recognition

Project Aurora received The Fleet Achievement of the Year Award at the National Rail Awards in 2023.

“Our passengers have been very positive about the improvements Project Aurora has delivered for their journeys, but this award from our peers in the industry really highlights the expertise, effort and dedication of every member of the multi-disciplinary team. Equally pleasing is the judges’ recognition of the collaboration between industry partners Porterbrook, Alstom and GTR, which our success has depended on every step of the way.”

Justin Lanigan, Overhaul Manager, Govia Thameslink Railway.

Project Aurora showcases the unique strength of GTR’s in-house rail engineering team, whose expertise enabled complex upgrades to be delivered with precision and efficiency. This capability highlights our distinct advantage in managing large-scale modernisation and engineering projects in-house.