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Search forTGV-style train link could transform West
Monday, June 23, 2008, 07:30
Network Rail is considering turning the Penzance to Paddington mainline into a 186mph super route, slashing journey times to the capital.
The line is one of five key rail routes under consideration following a 40 per cent increase in passengers using trains over a decade.
If the proposals go ahead, it is hoped to have new tracks laid by 2025. Most would be similar to those built in France to carry the high-speed TGV network.
Stuart Walker, regional spokesman for transport users group Travelwatch South West, said the scheme could have huge benefits to Devon and Cornwall – if it comes off.
“With oil prices so high and internal air travel not sustainable in the long-term, the Government really needs to look at investing in other forms of transport like the railways,” he said.
“A high-speed link in the South West, TGV-style, would make a big difference to travel times. Depending on what exactly is proposed, it could take more than an hour off the journey time.”
But he sounded a note of caution, saying similar plans had been proposed before but the Government had failed to stump up the huge investment necessary.
He said: “I welcome the feasibility study, but the scheme is entirely dependent on Government support.
“We have heard of similar plans before, but the money's never been there from Government to see the scheme through.
At the moment, the main rail route through Devon and Cornwall is restricted to a speed of around 60mph, with a 110mph section between Reading and Paddington. More than an hour could be shaved off the five-and-a-half- hour journey time to London if the route is chosen for expansion.
Other lines being considered include the east and west coast main lines to Scotland and routes to Birmingham and Sheffield.
Network Rail launches its study today into what could amount to the largest track build since the 19th century.
More than one million people travelled by train last year, the highest number since the Second World War demob year of 1946, and growth is predicted to swell by 30 per cent in the next decade.
Network Rail, which owns and operates Britain's main line railways, revealed today that consultants will be appointed by the end of July.
The first report into the possibility of building new lines is expected by next summer.
The study being commissioned will look at the service in the post-2014 period, with all options “on the table”.
A spokesman for Network Rail said: “We are looking at these five strategic routes.
“There is a huge case to be made for an expansion of the rail network. All options are on the table looking at how we address capacity issues.”
Ashwin Kumar, passenger director of independent rail-user watchdog Passenger Focus, said: “We welcome the study. It is extremely important the rail industry anticipates future growth.”
Richard Dyer, transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: “Our creaking railway system desperately requires huge investment to bring it into the 21st century.”
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