Rail plan revived

MIDLAND ELECTRIFICATION BACK ON AGENDA,

PLANS to electrify the Midland Main Line are back on the table, three years after they were put on hold.

Midlands Connect Director Maria Machancoses called the news a “massive boost for the region” and a key step towards a “Midlands rail revolution” allowing it to be better connected whilst decarbonising the network sooner.

It was announced in the House of Commons by the Government, for the first time, that: “Further electrification of the Midland Main Line is currently at an early stage, but it is being examined by Network Rail.”

A Network Rail report features the scheme in a wider clean transport vision. The Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy “considers where overhead electrification, battery or hydrogen trains might be most effectively deployed”.

It has been issued by Network Rail to the Treasury as a programme business case for making improvements to rail infrastructure.

Paul McMahon, management director – system operator at Network Rail, said: “The work to end greenhouse gas emissions will require a commitment to a long-term, stable and efficient programme of works which will last at least the next 30

Plans shelved in 2017 to electrify the Midland Main Line are now being examined by Network rail years. In order to meet the UK Government’s commitment to achieve net zero by 2050, and any interim emissions targets along the way, we need to set the wheels in motion.”

The plan to electrify the route was shelved in 2017 and instead electrification was planned to go as far as Market Harborough, and “bi-mode” trains will run on electricity for part of the route before switching to less green diesel.

Midlands Connect, which researches, develops and champions long-term transport projects, has worked with local businesses, The East Midlands Chamber and local MPs to continue to make the case for this critical part of national infrastructure.

Director Ms Machancoses said: “I’m cautiously optimistic but this could be a massive boost for the region.

“We are currently talking to Government to give us the green light and jump aboard the Midlands Rail revolution. For the upcoming Budget, Midlands Connect are proposing a package of proposals that could really put turbochargers on the Midlands Engine.

“My message to government is back a package of schemes that could place the Midlands at the vanguard of the UK’s transition to a better connected, decarbonised and rebalanced economy.”

The East Midlands Chamber, which represents businesses across the region, including Derby, said the time has come for the Government to finally deliver on electrifying the entire Midland Main Line.

Scott Knowles, its chief executive, said: “Electrifying our railways is an ambitious strategy that should be welcomed across the board because it has both economic and environmental benefits that fit today’s and tomorrow’s demands.

“Not only are Network Rail’s plans consistent with the Government’s UK net zero 2050 strategy, but it would bring closer integration with HS2, including the planned East Midlands hub at Toton that remains essential to the region’s growth.

“Infrastructure investment is now at the heart of the Government’s economic recovery strategy so we’d hope this report will pave the way for the scheme to finally be delivered in full.

“All the planning is in place to make this happen as soon as the green light is given.”