GHD supports TfL in delivering the next generation of Docklands Light Railway trains

GHD has supported Transport for London (TfL) in achieving a significant milestone in the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Rolling Stock Replacement Programme (RSRP), introducing the first of 54 new trains into service. The modernisation marks a significant investment in London’s transport network, increasing reliability, capacity and passenger comfort across east and south-east London.  

The new B23 trains, manufactured by CAF in Spain, are designed as fixed five-car formations featuring air conditioning, mobile device charging points and areas for wheelchairs, bicycles and pushchairs. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, noted that the new trains will improve reliability and help drive housing and employment growth in areas such as Stratford, Woolwich Arsenal and the Isle of Dogs.  

Since 2021, GHD has led the system safety and technical assurance workstream for TfL across the DLR network. Led by Wynand Norden, System Safety and Assurance Lead, the GHD team has helped develop and review the full suite of engineering safety and technical assurance deliverables associated with the new B23 rolling stock and wider infrastructure upgrades.  

The team’s work has included:

• Preparing and reviewing documents such as Engineering Safety Management Plans, Technical Assurance Plans, Hazard Records, etc.

• Facilitating hazard identification and risk-evaluation workshops with TfL and delivery partners

• Delivering programme-level safety verification processes in line with CSM-RA, ROGS, RIR and CENELEC standards

• Establishing and managing the DLR System Review Group to coordinate approvals and monitor assurance activities 

This collaborative approach has supported TfL through successive migration stages, including introduction of the first train into reliability proving and subsequently into passenger service. Reliability proving involves running the new trains without passengers to accumulate fault-free mileage, while passenger service is when trains are handed over to the operator for passenger use and ongoing maintenance, which was achieved in August 2025. We are now supporting getting the remaining 54 trains and supporting infrastructure into operational use. 

Beyond new trains, the DLR Rolling Stock Replacement Programme encompasses substantial infrastructure works, including the expansion of Beckton Depot for stabling of the additional trains, the creation of a new Maintenance Facility Building, a new automatic train operation test track facility, a Simulator Training Centre, and upgrades to signalling, power and automation systems. GHD’s continued involvement underscores a collaborative relationship with TfL founded on technical rigour, accountability and shared commitment to improving London’s transport resilience. 

Wynand Norden, GHD’s Principal Consultant for UK Transport Solutions, says, “Working as part of the TfL delivery and engineering organisation on this programme has allowed GHD to demonstrate ‘the power of commitment’ to a longstanding and significant client. This has reached the point where the TfL team want GHD to remain engaged, enabling TfL to deliver on their commitments, while also allowing our GHD team to expand their capabilities and broaden their experience.” 

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.