GREAT Western Railway (GWR) has won two awards at the prestigious Rail Business Awards, celebrating excellence in innovation, and safety and security.

Winning the “Innovation of the Year” category, GWR was recognised for its world-record busting 200.5-mile battery train run, the longest ever on a single charge, proving that long-range battery-electric traction is viable for real-world rail operations.

The achievement, independently validated by the Railway Performance Society, demonstrated that zero-emission regional rail travel is an achievable option for today’s railway without full overhead electrification.

GWR's fast-charging trial on the Greenford branch line validated rapid recharging technology costing 60% less than traditional electrification.

Together, these innovations provide a cost-effective option for decarbonising regional rail, with GWR's findings now informing national policy on sustainable fleet renewal and infrastructure investment.

GWR scooped a second top award for “Safety & Security Excellence” for its Resilient Futures: Bridgwater Safeguarding Response: a pioneering intervention that reduced youth antisocial behaviour (ASB) by 77%.

Working with 20 plus partners including British Transport Police and Railway Children, GWR reframed youth ASB as a safeguarding challenge, delivering staff training, enhanced reporting systems, and community initiatives including the Bold & Brave café providing skills and employment opportunities.

GWR was highly commended for multi-modal accessibility enhancements including Barnstaple Station improvements, integrated transport pilots, and autism awareness programmes.

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway, said: “These awards reflect the hard work, innovation and dedication of our teams and partners who work tirelessly to put our passengers first, to improve safety, and to find innovative solutions help our communities to prosper.

"The Rail Business Awards set the benchmark for industry excellence, and to be celebrated among such impressive peers is extremely rewarding.

"This recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, sharing best practice across the sector, and ensuring our railway is not just safe and efficient, but genuinely life-changing for those who need it most."