German technology group Vossloh has received a major order from construction contractor PORR for the High-Speed 2 (HS2) project.

Vossloh will supply rail fastening systems for the slab track on the line between London and Birmingham for HS2 Limited, the developer and future operator of the line.

The rail fastening systems secure rails to the track bed. They ensure stability, safety, and durability under high-speed conditions.

The order is worth over €30m and runs from 2025 to 2027.

Vossloh CEO Oliver Schuster said: “With our technically high-quality system solution, we ensure that the high requirements for safety, reliability and durability are met on the demanding high-speed line.

“We are delighted that the customer is relying on our many years of expertise and that we are making an important contribution to the expansion of sustainable transport infrastructure in the UK.”

HS2 is said to be one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects. It will also be the UK’s second high-speed line, after High Speed 1 (HS1), the link between London and the Channel Tunnel.

The new line can reach speeds up to 360 km/h. This will free up space on the mainline for more freight and local services.

Travel time between London and Birmingham will be reduced from 82 to 45 minutes.

The HS2 line is expected to be completed by 2033. This project will help modernise British transport infrastructure and provide significant benefits to the economy and society.

The new HS2 railway will connect London and Birmingham in Phase 1. Phase 2 was designed to extend from Birmingham to Manchester in the West and Leeds in the East. Part of Phase 2a connects Birmingham to Crewe.

However, in October 2023, the UK government announced major changes to the HS2 programme. These include the cancellation of the Phase 2 extension from the West Midlands to Manchester and a smaller HS2 station at London Euston.