Network Rail placed “too much reliance” on the contractor that built a faulty drainage system that led a train to derail in 2020, an inquiry has heard. “When the project is in process, Network Rail does not oversee the project on a daily basis,” he said. Both witnesses said that since the derailment, there had been a “massive focus” within Network Rail on ensuring this documentation is now provided as part of every project. A criminal prosecution saw Network Rail fined £6.7 million in 2023 after it admitted health and safety failings over the crash. A Network Rail spokesperson said on Monday the Government-owned company is “committed to supporting the work of the inquiry and continuing to deliver on the recommendations made by RAIB”.