UK rail trials quantum navigation technology to improve positioning and resilience

UK rail trials quantum navigation technology to improve positioning and resilience Posted: 25 March 2026 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet New quantum inertial navigation system tested on mainline railway could transform train positioning, reduce infrastructure costs and improve reliability across Britain’s rail network. Credit: GBRX Britain’s railway has taken a significant step forward in the development of quantum navigation technology, with a new system designed to measure train position with high precision now tested on the national network. This programme begins the process of understanding how quantum positioning could fundamentally reshape how railways work.” Quantum inertial navigation uses ultra sensitive sensors to detect small changes in motion and rotation, allowing trains to determine their position without relying on satellite signals. Unlike GPS, the system can operate in tunnels, dense infrastructure or areas affected by interference, offering a more resilient alternative to existing positioning methods. First mainline trial of quantum positioning The Rail Quantum Inertial Navigation System was recently tested on a mainline service operated by Govia Thameslink Railway between central London and Welwyn Garden City. The trial provided real world data on system performance within a live railway environment, marking the first time this technology has been tested on a mainline anywhere in the world. The technology is being explored as a potential replacement for fixed trackside positioning infrastructure, which can be expensive to install and maintain and may be vulnerable to disruption or failure. A successful rollout could reduce costs while improving operational reliability and resilience. The programme builds on earlier work by the Ministry of Defence and Transport for London, extending quantum sensing research into heavy rail applications. Development is being led by a consortium including MoniRail Ltd, Imperial College London, University of Sussex, QinetiQ, PA Consulting and National Physical Laboratory, with support from Innovate UK and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The initiative is coordinated by GBRX to accelerate adoption of emerging technologies across the rail network. Rail Minister Peter Hendy said the development continues the UK’s legacy of rail innovation and will help improve reliability and passenger experience. Toufic Machnouk of GBRX added that quantum sensing could reshape railway operations by reducing reliance on trackside systems and enabling smarter, more efficient networks. Stay Connected with Global Railway Review — Subscribe for Free! Get exclusive access to the latest rail industry insights from Global Railway Review — all tailored to your interests. ✅ Expert-Led Webinars – Gain insights from global industry leaders ✅ Weekly News & Reports – Rail project updates, thought leadership, and exclusive interviews ✅ Partner Innovations – Discover cutting-edge rail technologies ✅ Print/Digital Magazine – Enjoy two in-depth issues per year, packed with expert content Choose the updates that matter most to you. Sign up now to stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free! Thank you for being part of our community. Let’s keep shaping the future of rail together! Related topics Big Data, Digitalisation, Infrastructure Developments, Operational Performance, Safety, Signalling, Control & Communications, Standardisation & Technical Harmonisation, Sustainability/Decarbonisation, Technology & Software, Track Systems