Cordel inks more permanent contract for HS1 data

(Sharecast News) - Cordel Group announced on Tuesday that it had initiated data-as-a-service monitoring for Network Rail High Speed. The AIM-traded firm said NRHS is responsible for managing the railway infrastructure for High Speed One - the high-speed rail line connecting St Pancras International station to the Channel Tunnel, with domestic trains to Kent and international travel to the continent.

It said that following a successful proof-of-concept contract, Cordel secured a data-as-a-service roll-out contract with NRHS for HS1 last October.

The initial phase of the contract used its established Wave 32 LiDAR and imaging hardware, previously certified by Network Rail.

Cordel said it had since enhanced the equipment mounting design for permanent installation and, after obtaining installation approvals, had deployed the equipment on trains conducting routine maintenance.

Subsequently, the data was being uploaded to the cloud for processing by Cordel's artificial intelligence platform, facilitating the creation of a 'digital twin' for the route.

Regular automated surveys would gauge critical dimensions such as overhead line height and stagger to ensure operational efficiency and safety along the HS1 corridor.

"We are delighted that our data-as-a-service is now 'business as usual' for Network Rail High Speed," said chief executive officer John Davis.

"It is exciting to expand our world-leading technology to deliver vital engineering insights tuned to HS1's requirements.

"Cordel has now captured and processed data across more than 500,000 miles of international railway lines, resulting in an unmatched depth of AI learning and data management experience."

At 1158 GMT, shares in Cordel were up 9.76% at 4.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.