Explore Southeastern England in Comfort: Overhaul of Trains Set to Enhance Tourism

Published on December 23, 2025

Alstom has been awarded a significant £20 million contract by Eversholt Rail to overhaul nearly 400 bogies for the Southeastern Class 465 fleet. This project will see up to 398 power bogies across 97 four-car units undergo a full mileage-based overhaul at Alstom’s Crewe Works site. The overhaul will take place over a period of two years, ensuring that the Southeastern fleet remains reliable and efficient for passengers traveling across the UK’s southeastern routes, including popular destinations such as London, Canterbury, and Ashford.

This contract is a major step forward in maintaining the quality and performance of the Southeastern rail network, which serves commuters and tourists alike, providing vital links between London and the southeast of England. The overhaul project aims to improve train reliability and passenger comfort, ensuring that the trains continue to meet the demands of both everyday commuters and leisure travelers visiting the region.

The Importance of the Southeastern Class 465 Fleet

The Southeastern Class 465 trains are a crucial part of the UK’s regional rail system, providing vital transportation for millions of passengers traveling to and from London and other parts of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. These trains are particularly important for tourism, as they connect popular tourist destinations in the southeast, such as the historic city of Canterbury, the white cliffs of Dover, and the high-speed links to Gatwick Airport.

The Class 465 units are known for their reliability, but after years of service, they require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to operate smoothly. The upcoming overhaul will focus on the bogies, the components that support the train’s weight and allow for smooth movement on tracks. Overhauling the bogies is critical for maintaining the trains’ performance and safety, improving the overall travel experience for those traveling for business, leisure, and tourism.

Enhancing the Travel Experience for Tourists

For tourists visiting the UK, Southeastern’s rail network offers a convenient and efficient way to explore some of the country’s most historic and scenic regions. Popular destinations such as Canterbury, with its medieval cathedral, and Dover, known for its iconic White Cliffs, are easily accessible from London by Southeastern trains. The improvements to the Class 465 fleet will directly benefit these visitors by ensuring a more comfortable and efficient journey, reducing delays and enhancing the overall experience.

In addition to enhancing comfort, the overhaul will focus on improving the environmental performance of the trains. The updated bogies are expected to improve energy efficiency, contributing to the UK’s ongoing goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting more sustainable forms of transportation. For eco-conscious tourists, this upgrade will provide peace of mind knowing that their travel choice is aligned with sustainability initiatives.

Impact of the Overhaul on Southeastern’s Operations

The overhaul of the Class 465 bogies is not only important for maintaining the fleet’s performance, but it also supports Southeastern’s operations in keeping up with growing demand for regional rail travel. As the UK continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for rail travel has surged, particularly for regional and domestic journeys. By investing in the refurbishment of its existing fleet, Southeastern is ensuring that it can meet this demand while providing high-quality service to its passengers.

The overhaul project will take place over two years, meaning that the fleet will be refurbished gradually, minimizing disruptions to service. During this period, Southeastern passengers will still benefit from the improved reliability of the Class 465 trains, ensuring that travel continues without significant delays or cancellations.

The Role of Alstom in UK Rail Modernization

Alstom, a leader in the global rail industry, has been instrumental in modernizing the UK’s rail infrastructure for many years. The company is known for its work in upgrading and maintaining the country’s rail fleets, including iconic projects like the Eurostar high-speed trains and the London Underground. This latest contract for the Southeastern fleet continues Alstom’s important role in supporting UK transport modernization.

Alstom’s Crewe Works, where the overhaul will take place, is one of the company’s key maintenance and refurbishment hubs in the UK. The facility has a long history of supporting the rail industry, providing high-quality services that help keep the country’s trains running smoothly. Alstom’s expertise in overhauling rail components ensures that the Class 465 units will be fully refurbished to the highest standards.

Looking Ahead: More Investment in UK Rail

The ongoing investment in the Southeastern rail network is part of a broader strategy to modernize the UK’s rail infrastructure. As demand for rail travel increases, both for daily commuters and for tourists, continued investment in both new and existing fleets will be crucial. The success of the Class 465 overhaul is likely to encourage further upgrades across other parts of the Southeastern network, ensuring that the region’s rail services remain competitive, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

For tourists traveling to the UK, the continued investment in Southeastern’s rail network means that exploring the beauty and history of the southeast will become even more accessible. From the bustling streets of London to the tranquil countryside of Kent and beyond, the UK’s train system remains one of the most efficient and scenic ways to travel.

Conclusion: A Stronger Future for Southeastern Rail Travel

The £20 million overhaul of Southeastern’s Class 465 bogies is an important development in maintaining and improving the UK’s rail network. With Alstom at the helm of this project, the Southeastern fleet will continue to provide safe, reliable, and efficient service to millions of passengers, including those traveling for tourism. This investment in the future of rail travel will ensure that the UK remains connected, sustainable, and ready for the demands of modern travel.