Rail Forum writes to rail minister over electrification ‘pause’

The Rail Forum has written to the rail minister in response to the Government’s recent decision to “pause” the electrification of the Midland Main Line.

The joint letter with the Railway Industry Association to Rail Minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE highlights that the choice to keep this key rail enhancement under review could cost taxpayers between £50 million and £70 million.

Not only that, but it could also risk economic benefits of nearly £400 million, as well as the creation of nearly 5,000 jobs.

The Midland Main Line is the line that connects Derby to major cities, such as London.

Elaine Clark OBE, chief Executive of Rail Forum, said: “We are extremely disappointed at the Government’s decision to pause Midland Main Line electrification, a decision that will have a direct impact on supply chain businesses now.

“We risk losing further highly skilled individuals and jobs from the sector, which will ultimately add to costs for future electrification projects.

“While recent announcements and confirmation of other projects have been welcomed by our members, stopping Midland Main Line electrification has caused wide concern and makes no sense.

“It is a shovel ready project that could deliver tangible benefits this parliament with other projects unlikely to even get off the starting blocks in that timeframe.

“Taking into account likely demobilisation/remobilisation costs we believe it’s a bad decision for the UK taxpayer and a bad decision for users of the Midland Main Line with several of our larger cities now condemned to using diesel traction for the foreseeable future.

“Furthermore, it doesn’t demonstrate the whole system thinking that is core to the Government’s agenda of ‘bringing track and train together’ through rail reform.”

Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Railway Industry Association, said: “Railway suppliers, while welcoming some of the recent government announcements about rail schemes in the June Spending Review, will be concerned about this unexpected decision to ‘pause’ electrification of the Midland Main Line, and keep it under review.

“We urge the Rail Minister Lord Hendy to consider ensuring this is only a short ‘pause’ so work can commence promptly within the next year.”