Track maintenance: tamping

When we upgrade rail infrastructure, one of the final steps in the process is tamping. Tamping also plays an important role as an ongoing maintenance activity. The tamper machine adjusts the track alignment by lifting the rails and compacting the ballast underneath, helping to keep the track stable and in the right place. Watch this video to hear Project Engineer Sebastian Allum explain why tamping is crucial for reducing track faults and the number of Temporary Speed Restrictions, supporting a more reliable rail network for both passenger and freight services.