 The fire caused extensive damage to the relay room |
Train services into Victoria Station are being disrupted after signalling equipment in east Manchester was destroyed in a suspected arson attack. Network Rail said its relay room at Miles Platting Junction was set on fire on Wednesday night.
Engineers are working on site to repair the damage and renew the equipment but it could take up to two weeks.
A special timetable has been introduced for some services between Victoria and Rochdale, Halifax and Huddersfield.
Network Rail has apologised for the disruption to train services and the inconvenience caused.
Started deliberately
Jo Kaye, area general manager, said: "The relay room is the heart of the signalling system.
"Not only do we have to replace damaged components but we have to install whole electronic systems, which then have to be tested to ensure their safety and reliability.
"We'll have engineers working around the clock to get things up and running as soon as possible and keep delays to a minimum."
British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the cause of the fire but believe it may have been started deliberately.
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