Gren Edwards, previously chief executive of Volker Rail and GrantRail, said he saw a significant opportunity to broaden Costain’s activities in the rail industry, which is due to attract billions of pounds of extra investment over the next decade.

Edwards stepped down as the Volker Rail boss after seven years at the firm last February and joins Costain as director of the rail division.

Costain has built a strong track record delivering signature rail stations such as St Pancras International, Farringdon Thameslink and London Underground’s Bond Street.

Edwards aims to build on this experience by adding specialist skills such as track electrification, signalling and multidisciplinary operation and maintenance activities.

He said this will give added value to customers including Network Rail, London Underground and Crossrail.