The welding of the new East Midlands Railway Aurora fleet of trains has begun, and the operator has released a new video about the project.

The video features a number of shots that were taken across the region and includes footage of the welding and interviews with EMR staff.

The 33 new trains will be able to run on both electricity and diesel and are being built by Hitachi Rail in County Durham.

40 newly qualified welders and painters at Newton Aycliffe will complete the aluminium carriage shells whilst the interiors have been designed by Derby-based DGDESIGN.

Etches Park depot in Derby will also be upgraded thanks to East Midlands Railway, which is where the new trains will be maintained.

Aurora trains will enter service in 2023 and will offer lots of advantages over the current train fleet.

Rachel Turner, Head of New Trains at East Midlands Railway, said: “The start of the welding process is an exciting milestone in the journey to bring our new state-of-the art Aurora trains to East Midlands Railway customers.

“We are also working in partnership with Hitachi to provide more opportunities and significant investment to Derby and the wider East Midlands. This includes working with Derby-based supplier, DGDESIGN, to create unique, comfortable and welcoming interiors for the Aurora as well as investing to upgrade our depot at Etches Park so it can continue to provide highly-skilled jobs and maintain the fleet for many years to come.

“Our joint commitment will not only ensure that the fleet meets the needs of our customers but also that EMR can continue to support the communities we serve.”

Credit: East Midlands Railway

Jim Brewin, Head of UK & Ireland, Hitachi Rail said: “The £110 million investment at Hitachi Rail’s UK factory, which includes brand new painting and welding capabilities, ensures the Aurora fleet are truly British-built trains.

“These new intercity trains will deliver a real step-change for East Midlands Railway passengers, with more seats and modern passenger facilities. Therefore our partnership with East Midlands Railway is going to deliver tangible benefits for both the British economy and rail passengers.”