Private funds ‘to build new Heathrow rail’

PRIVATE firms have been urged to submit plans for a railway between Heathrow Airport and London Waterloo.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling wants the private sector to fund the eight-mile link, rather than Network Rail. The estimated cost is up to £1.6billion and the companies involved would earn revenue through fees paid by train operators.

A private company called Heathrow Southern Railway, set up to promote the project, says the line could be open by 2025.