Welding services within Network Rail refer to the provision of specialist rail welding and associated works required to maintain the safety, integrity and performance of the railway infrastructure. These services support the repair, maintenance and joining of rail assets, helping to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the network. The framework’s scope will cover aluminothermic rail welding, thermic and arc welding, welding repair works, rail grinding, weld inspection, rail burning and associated works, providing additional specialist capability and capacity where Network Rail is unable to meet operational requirements through internal resources.