Cables to be lain for electric railway overhaul

Date: 16/7/2012

The government has invested £9.4 billion into overhauling the UK's railway infrastructure, transforming the network with electric cables that promise more efficient, environmentally-friendly travel.

Decision-makers have planned for an "electric spine" to connect cities all over the country, according to the Department of Transport, with 75 per cent of all passenger journeys expected to be made on electric tracks by the end of its five-year upgrade programme.

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg noted the upgrade will help close the north-south divide in the UK, enhancing connections between major business hubs.

According to the government, these cables will facilitate a more reliable rail network, leading to lower operating costs and carbon emissions.

Indeed, managing director of East Midlands Trains David Horne told Rail.co.uk that the Bedford to Sheffield line alone will rake back £60 million in annual industry costs.

"That means within ten years of completion, the electrification of the line will have paid for itself and will continue to reduce the cost of rail to the taxpayer year on year," he concluded.

Posted by Jason Page