New Ingrean Railways

New Ingrean Railways
Organisation
Type	Crown monopoly
Owner(s)	Government of New Ingrea
Predecessor(s)	DPW&R
Founded	11 August 1975 (1975-08-11)
Headquarters	Railway Tower West Terrace Kingsbury, CENT
Products and services
Industry	Transport
Services	Passenger rail Rail freight Railway access Maintenance

The New Ingrean Railways (NIR) is a crown monopoly tasked with the operation, management, and maintenance of the railway network in New Ingrea. Established in 1975, it replaced the Department of Public Works and Railways, which had managed passenger and freight services across New Ingrea since the 19th century.

History

On 1 January 1989, the suburban transport division of New Ingrean Railways was reorganised into passenger transport authorities that are operated under the auspices of the county councils. This restructuring aimed to improve the management and efficiency of suburban rail services, which had been neglected for many years.

The transition was part of a broader strategy to decentralise suburban transport services, allowing local authorities to make adjustments to suit regional requirements. By doing so, it was hoped commuter rail systems would became more responsive to population changes and urban expansion, with an additional bonus being enhanced coordination between rail and other modes of public transport.

Operations

New Ingrean Railways oversees the following divisions:

Sprint Rail

Main article: Sprint Rail

Established in 1993, Sprint Rail is responsible for providing intercity passenger rail services throughout New Ingrea. It operates seven routes serving destinations nationwide, with most services running daily. The division utilises a fleet of electric and diesel multiple units to deliver these services.

In addition to the provision passenger services, Sprint Rail has also spent considerable effort on enhancing the passenger experience. This has chiefly taken the form of investing in modern ticketing systems; such as contactless smart cards, improved onboard amenities; such as laptop charging and wifi, and accessibility upgrades at major stations. The growth of intercity rail in New Ingrea has in turn fuelled calls for increasing the number of services, expanding the network to underserved regions, and introducing higher-speed rail options to reduce travel times.

Trackfast

Main article: Trackfast

Founded in 1993, Trackfast serves as the freight division of New Ingrean Railways. Its operations include bulk freight (coal, grain, steel, ore), intermodal containers, and a specialised non-trainload freight division. Additionally, Trackfast is a 50/50 joint venture partner with PONI in Blue Arrow Parcels, which handles parcel delivery services.

Trackfast is an integral part of the country's logistics network, providing reliable freight solutions for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and retail. Recent investments in cleaner locomotives and digital tracking systems have enhanced operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact, aligning with New Ingrea's sustainability goals.

Track Access and Maintenance

Main article: NIR Networks

NIR Networks is responsible for the maintenance and accessibility of all below-track railway infrastructure in New Ingrea. This includes track systems, signalling equipment, tunnels, bridges, level crossings, and stations. To support its operations, NIR Networks owns a fleet of 10 diesel-electric locomotives, along with a variety of specialised rail maintenance vehicles. These vehicles are either owned outright or leased from third-party providers, ensuring efficient and timely infrastructure upkeep.

NIR Networks has also undertaken several large-scale modernisation projects, including the ongoing expansion of the electrified track network, construction of more passing loops and crossover points, and the upgrading of signalling infrastructure. Each of these initiatives are part of a long-term plan to improve safety and reduce delays, and future-proof the rail network for an ever increasing volume rail traffic.

Heritage

Main article: NIR Heritage

NIR Heritage is the heritage division of the NIR responsible for preserving the country's railway heritage. Established in November 1975 to preserve historical railway infrastructure and artefacts, the division manages built and movable heritage, operates the National Railway Museum, and provides support to community-led heritage railways such as the Waihou Mountain Railway and Westerland Stannary Railway.

The division also collaborates with community railways organisations, providing technical expertise, funding, and logistical support to assist in the preservation of regional rail heritage. Current major projects for the divisions include locomotive restoration, a nationwide historic infrastructure survey, and the expansion of the National Railway Museum facilities to enhance visitor experiences.

See also

• Department of Public Works and Railways