Rail bosses seek to get bullet trains on track with high-speed lines study

Published on Saturday 21 June 2008 19:49

RAIL bosses are to look at the possibility of building five new high-speed main lines across the UK as part of a review of the network's future.

Network Rail, which manages the UK's lines and stations, said it was to commission a study which would look into the feasibility of new lines along the UK's busiest routes in what would amount to the largest track-building programme since the 19th century.

The review, to be announced tomorrow, will also assess the need for high-speed trains similar to the French TGV to cope with Britain's growing number of rail users.

Over the last decade, the network has seen passenger numbers increase by about 40%. More people are using the service than at any time since 1946.

Numbers are expected to swell by a further 30% in the next 10 years, adding to the burden on the current network.

The study will look at the service in the post-2014 period, with all options "on the table".

If given the go-ahead, the new lines are likely to run alongside some of the UK's busiest existing routes.

They comprise the West Coast line from London to Glasgow, the East Coast line between London and Edinburgh, the Great Western line to Bristol, the Midland main line to Sheffield and the Chiltern route to Birmingham.

The London to Penzance line will also be looked at as part of the review.

If the proposals are adopted, the new tracks are thought likely to be built with high-speed passenger trains in mind.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We are looking at these five strategic routes. We are possibly looking at new lines.

"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."

Scotland on Sunday reported earlier this month that ministers on both sides of the border were involved in talks to build a new "bullet train" link between Scotland and London.

Rail ministers from Edinburgh and London met in May for preliminary discussions on laying an entirely new line down the spine of the UK which could cut journey times from north to south to just three hours.

Ministers want to cut the number of flights taken within the UK in an effort to reduce the output of greenhouse gases.

Consultants estimate it could cost up to 30bn to build a line capable of handling the high-speed trains.