Recruitment
“Naresh is a positive, inspiring, and enthusiastic Signalling professional working for AtkinsRéalis signalling business on some of the most technically complex projects in the UK. He has contributed significantly to new ideas/concepts/skills in the Signalling domain and has delivered some challenging projects like the Norwich Yarmouth Lowestoft (NYL) and Feltham Phase 3/4 schemes recently. Naresh always strives to achieve the highest standards in all activities he performs. He is a great mentor and a go-to person for all his colleagues in the AtkinsRéalis team for any technical issues/topics.
About Naresh, he is a Signalling Engineer with Chartered Engineer accreditation from the Engineering Council UK, and Institution of Engineers India. He has over 34 years’ experience in the Railway industry (UK Mainline and India), and presently works as a Principal Engineer at AtkinsRéalis, performing the role of Design Manager (DM), Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE), Technical lead and IRSE Workplace assessor. Naresh also supports the wider engineering community where, for example, he performs the role of IPRA (International Professional Registration Advisor) with the IET. Since March 2017 to the present time he has supported 15 engineers to get their professional registration as CEng and IEng.
This nomination particularly relates to his exemplary role in technical governance and delivery of designs on the Feltham Phase 3/4 project as a CRE/DM. It also aims to recognise his dynamic collaboration with Network Rail, subcontractors (Alstom, Resonate, LB Foster & Global Rail) and other AtkinsRéalis internal teams such as procurement, engineering and project management to deliver a successful project on time (September 2023) to agreed budget.
The Feltham Phase 3/4 project was one of the largest signalling projects of NR’s CP6 period focusing on the renewal of signalling equipment controlled from Feltham Area Signalling Centre deploying the Advanced Signalling Method (ASM) solution from AtkinsRéalis. The project has a total Signalling Equivalent Units (SEU) count of 205 and included 7 MCB CCTV level Crossing upgrades within its scope. The whole project was commissioned in 5 stages including 3 Standalone Level Crossing Stages, 1 Switch & Crossing stage and 1 Main Commissioning Stage. The project also included alteration to 6 fringes, introduction of 86 new location cases, 7 new ElectroLogIXS interlockings and recovery of 1 signal box, 4 relay rooms and 291 location cases.
Naresh, working as a Signalling DM/CRE for this project, delivered a safe and sustainable technical solution to the project considering value engineering, whole life cycle cost reduction and implementation of modern digital initiatives to address asset condition, capability & capacity enhancements to achieve operational savings to the client and improved integration of the railway network.
Feedback on Naresh from Network Rail Designated Project Engineer (DPE):
“I have been the DPE and Senior Signalling PE on Feltham Re-signalling Phase 3-4 during the time that you joined the project as Signalling / Systems Design CRE which was a little over 2 years ago.
Your qualifications, memberships, and project experience meet and, in many areas, exceed the competencies that are desirable when appointing CREs, so we had and continue to have a high confidence in your abilities. Your technical knowledge is impressive and has proved invaluable throughout, including your detailed and clear approach to presenting designs at IDC/IDRs, responding to questions, and discussing options etc.
On an interpersonal level, it is a pleasure to work with you. Whether that be one-on-one, in groups, and on MS Teams or face-to-face. It is clear that you strive to do the right and thing and are confident to speak up and express your views. The feedback I have received from others within the team, including Signalling and other discipline PEs, has been positive. And the communications are always very prompt and professional.
In summary, thank you and keep up the good work!”
Example feedback from AtkinsRéalis Practice director on taking positive environmental impact decisions:
“Naresh Kalra led his design team, and then the wider Feltham engineering team to an environmentally conscious design solution on the Feltham Project which resulted in the saving of 1km of new cable and disposal of a further 1km of cable. This required some detailed effort and consideration by the signalling design team, but even more perseverance and drive to convince the project team and drive the solution through to implementation. A small example perhaps, but a good example of how signalling design can support Atkins efforts towards a Zero Carbon future. Thank you to Naresh as well for preparing a concise briefing document can be used to share this practical example amongst the wider business.”
Justification:
Naresh is a technically competent and self-motivated Signalling Engineer. He always takes up the most challenging tasks with ease and always holds himself to the highest standards. He has played a key role earlier in bringing a new skill of Modular Control System data design to AtkinsRéalis and commissioning of the first ElectroLogIXS Interlockings in the UK main line, as part of the NYL project.
He is a highly respected member of the UK Birmingham signalling team of AtkinsRéalis, due to his ability to lead teams, coach junior members, assist client team understanding and engage positively with other engineering disciplines at IDC’s, Hazard/Design reviews and other forums.
Naresh takes care of his professional duties seriously, and also contributes towards the environmental responsibilities and engineering society values which the profession requires.
With the above data, I personally recommend him for the ‘Rail Engineer of the Year’ award.“
“He has been working in the rail industry for more than 30 years. He has worked in different types of signalling arrangements and different types of technology. He has given solutions/advice for difficult technical problems. A number of times he has been selected for best awards in rail signalling in India and abroad. He is a technical lead in control tables, and signalling scheme arrangements.“
“Naresh is an inspiring and enthusiastic Signalling Engineer who contributed significantly to new ideas/concepts/skills in Signalling domain. He always sets out highest standard for project execution. He is currently acting as a Contractor’s Responsible Engineer (CRE) Signalling & Design Manager and is responsible for technical assurance of signalling designs for ongoing Feltham project. He is a great mentor and a go-to person for everyone. Outstanding feedback received by him during last year points to his technical leadership. His attitude, approach and capability make him stand out from the crowd.
Naresh is a sincere, dedicated, self-motivated exceptional Signalling Engineer. He always takes up the most challenging tasks with ease and sets out highest standard in all the designs activities. He is always ready to guide and support team members. He is a great team player and a great mentor.
As CRE (Contractor’s Responsible Engineer) of big project like Feltham Resignalling, he demonstrated his technical competence in review of Signalling and System related designs produced in UK and other design houses. He ensured quality and safety in designs and managed interface with other disciplines very well. The project Feltham phase 3-4 successfully commissioned a few months back. His excellent work as CRE for that project was much appreciated by client Network Rail.
Naresh is a member IRSE, member IET and CEng (ECUK). He is also IRSE licenced Principles Designer, Design Verifier and Engineering Manager. He always takes up the most challenging tasks with ease and produce integrated design details using first principles by considering the full implication of the work.
Naresh is a registered professional registration advisor for IET. He helped many engineers around the world to achieve their professional registration. As workplace assessor of IRSE, he supported signalling designers to achieve their IRSE Licenses. Naresh is truly a professional who always thinks about environment and try to save the carbon footprint while giving technical solution to any signalling problem.
Naresh provided outstanding contribution for various major signalling bids. His expertise on design estimate contributed to successful submission of bids and winning new works.
Naresh always ready to accept any challenge given to him. During his 14 years stay with Atkins he has proved his technical expertise. He is the go- to person for any signalling design issues. He helped signalling team in implementing new concept of POP group (controlling the risk of signal passed at danger by train) and Flank detection by authoring the guidance documents. He received many appreciations from key people like DPE (Designated Project Engineer), Engineering Manager and Director, Atkins etc.
I am delighted to nominate Naresh Kalra for the Rail Engineer of the Year award. Naresh is truly exceptional and he made huge contribution in successful commissioning of many major signalling projects and developing resources“
“Naresh Kumar Kalra is a highly accomplished and experienced Signalling Engineer with a proven track record of success in leading complex projects and delivering innovative solutions. He is a Chartered Engineer accredited by the Engineering Council UK and the Institution of Engineers India, and he currently holds the position of Principal Engineer at AtkinsRéalis.
Naresh has over 34 years of experience in the Railway industry, and he is known for his technical expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to excellence. He is also a strong advocate for environmentally conscious design solutions.
Naresh's recent work on the Feltham Phase 3/4 project is a testament to his skills and abilities. As CRE/DM on this complex project, Naresh has made significant contributions to technical governance and design delivery. He has worked closely with Network Rail, subcontractors, and internal AtkinsRéalis teams to achieve the project's successful and timely completion by September 2023.
The Feltham Phase 3/4 project is one of the largest signalling projects in NR's CP6 period, and it involved the renewal of signalling equipment and the introduction of the Advanced Signalling Method developed by AtkinsRéalis. Naresh has managed this complex project with efficiency and skill, addressing various challenges such as the upgrade of level crossings, the introduction of new location cases and interlockings, and the recovery of signal boxes and relay rooms.
Naresh is also commended for his professionalism and effective communication. Feedback from the Network Rail Designated Project Engineer underlines his technical prowess and ability to work collaboratively.
Furthermore, Naresh is committed to environmentally conscious design solutions. His efforts in this area have resulted in significant savings, demonstrating his dedication to Atkins' efforts for a Zero Carbon future.
In summary, Naresh Kumar Kalra is a highly skilled and respected Signalling Engineer with a rich history of contributions to the railway industry. His leadership, commitment to excellence, and dedication to environmental responsibility make him a worthy nominee for the 'Rail Engineer of the Year' award.“
“Naresh is highly respected by his peers, at all levels within AtkinsRéalis and within the wider rail industry.
Naresh demonstrates a very professional and positive approach to projects, using his skills, experience and technical abilities effectively to make a significant contribution to project delivery.
Having worked on major projects with Naresh over a number of years, what makes him stand out as an excellent Signalling Engineer is his ability to communicate by taking a moment to step back, listen and to challenge both his understanding and that of others, so that the whole team apply safe and practical solutions to resolve issues.
He strives to learn new things and technologies whilst actively encouraging people starting out in their career through to the experienced members of the team to learn and be confident in their roles.“
“I have been knowing Naresh for about 10 year and have worked with him on number of projects including NYL, Feltham ph1, Feltham ph2 and most recently, the Feltham ph3-4 project. From November 2022, He is working as a Principal Engineer (Signalling Design) at the Birmingham Office of AtkinsRéalis. He formerly had a position with AtkinsRéalis GTC India. He deserves to be considered for Rail Engineer of the Year because of the following.
1- As a result of his technical proficiency, he was the first member of the GTC signalling team to be nominated for the Signalling CRE position, and that too on one of Network Rail's major signalling projects (Feltham & Wokingham Re-Signaling Phase 3-4) in control period 6. His work on the project was outstanding, as evidenced by the 13 consecutive 5/5 customer feedback scores he received over the course of the previous two years, which speaks volumes about his performance. He has been putting his heart on this project and always accessible to address any concerns from any stakeholders. He consistently sets the bar for excellence in his work, and the AtkinsRéalis Signalling team looks up to him.
2- He is a superb signalling professional who cares deeply about quality and on-time delivery. On a recent Feltham ph3-4 project, where he served as a Signalling CRE/DM, he made sure that all designs were completed on schedule and to the highest standard. The fact that there have been no CAT3 (Not acceptable) DRN comments to far speaks volumes about the quality of the deliverables.
3- He is constantly interested in his own and his team's professional growth. He possesses IRSE Principles Designer, Design Verifier, and Engineering Manager licences in addition to being a member of IRSE, IET, and CEng (ECUK). He is trusted by the entire team to provide guidance on all signalling- and career-related issues. He has assisted several engineers in obtaining their initial/updated IRSE licenses and professional registration. He is an IRSE Licence Workplace Assessor and Registered Professional Registration Advisor for IET.
4- He has been the driving force behind the creation and improvement of several signalling tools such as PIDIO, PnP, MSSIO, Design automation tools, which has eventually helped AtkinsRéalis improve the efficiency and quality of its service. He is quite adept at transferring information across disciplines and frequently discusses lessons learnt in internal forums as they come up. This has aided a number of projects and people, including me, in providing signalling designs that are accurate the first time.
To summarize, He deserves to be considered for ‘Rail Engineer of the Year’ due to
a) His exemplary role in technical governance and design management evident from the project deliveries and client feedbacks
b) Readiness to take additional responsibilities and ability to lead from the front.
c) Proven design abilities and deep subject-matter expertise.
d) Possessing a rare blend of design, verification, testing, and commissioning experience.
e) Ability to deliver complex designs and projects.
f) Contribution to new ideas/Concepts and commitment to teams’ development“
“Hard working, nothing is too much trouble for Naresh, he's a great engineer and a credit to his discipline.“
“I just wanted to say a personal thank you to you and your excellent team! I was really pleased to be awarded the Highly Commended award on Saturday night and can't thank you all enough. I have really been grateful for your backing and have been heavily supported by everyone at Rail-Media during my first year of trading and this topped it off. I was very proud to receive the nomination and making the top three was incredible, I believe strongly that this is down to the team I have around me in advance-TRS but also the external teams such as Rail Media that have offered me advice and direction whenever called upon. I must offer a big thanks to Lianne for her kind words on the night, I was really impressed with the whole evening and think she deserves a big pat on the back (and some throat sweets). I must also thank Asif and Paul for their continued backing and availability on the phone whenever we are in need of deadlines and advice. I look forward to working with you all for many years to come, Thanks again,”
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