Mainline network

Components

Network Rail is the owner and operator of the majority of national railway infrastructure. It must ensure safe and effective management and development of that infrastructure.

Following its reclassification as an arm’s length central government body in 2014 and monopoly owner and operator Network Rail is accountable to the public interest through regulation. It operates under a licence enforced by ORR which contains conditions with which it must comply.

More information about Network Rail responsibilities can be found in the Network Rail regulation section.