Berkshire MPs Demand Heathrow Rail Link Support

Berkshire MPs Push for New Heathrow Rail Connection. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Four Berkshire MPs demand government support for the Heathrow rail link now. They propose a tunnel east of Langley station to connect the Great Western mainline.

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Support for this initiative grows as 18 MPs and Baroness Theresa May of Maidenhead join the effort. This follows the government’s recent announcement endorsing a third runway at Heathrow, sparking renewed interest.

Currently, rail travelers heading to Heathrow from the west face inconvenient routes through Reading and Slough. They must journey into London Paddington and switch trains to reach the airport, the Local Democracy Reporting Service notes.

The proposed connection promises to slash journey times by an average of 30 minutes for passengers. Advocates argue this upgrade will streamline travel and boost efficiency for thousands of commuters annually.

Slough MP Tan Dhesi and Baroness May lead the all-party parliamentary group championing this western rail project. Their letter highlights how the connection eliminates unnecessary detours, enhancing regional connectivity.

Wokingham’s Clive Jones, Woodley and Earley’s Yuan Yang, and Windsor’s Jack Rankin also endorse the plan. Together, they urge swift action to integrate this rail project into Heathrow’s expansion framework.

Heathrow Rail Link Gains Momentum

A Department for Transport spokesperson emphasizes transport’s vital role in rebuilding Britain and driving growth. They insist any Heathrow expansion must prioritize rail access alongside climate and air quality goals.

No live planning application exists yet for Heathrow’s expansion, but discussions continue to gain momentum. The government remains committed to infrastructure that supports opportunity, and this rail project aligns with that vision.

Travelers currently endure lengthy transfers because western rail routes to Heathrow lack direct options. The new connection aims to resolve this, offering a faster and more sustainable travel solution.

Benefits of the Heathrow Rail Link

Proponents stress that cutting travel times enhances economic prospects and improves passenger experiences significantly. They believe this project could set a precedent for future transport investments across Britain.

The Department for Transport acknowledges the absence of a formal Heathrow expansion application currently. However, they reinforce that rail access remains a critical factor in any forthcoming plans.

Berkshire MPs continue pressing the government, arguing the rail project complements Heathrow’s third runway ambitions. Their unified stance reflects growing regional support for better transport infrastructure.

This initiative could transform how western communities connect to one of the world’s busiest airports. And with political backing, the project inches closer to reality despite planning hurdles.

The call for a Heathrow rail link underscores a broader push for efficient and eco-friendly travel options. So, as discussions evolve, stakeholders watch closely for the government’s next move.

Source: www.bbc.com

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