The UK rail sector criticized the government’s decision to suspend electrification of the Midland Main Line, warning it threatens thousands of jobs, delays environmental goals, and increases costs for taxpayers. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Although the UK Department for Transport confirmed progress on some projects, including the Bristol–Portishead line, it paused several others like Dawlish cliff stabilization and York capacity improvements.

The Project Reach rail connectivity upgrade aims to transform digital infrastructure across key UK train routes, enhancing mobile access and enabling future-ready railway technologies through public-private partnership
Source, photo: www.railwaygazette.com

Industry Warns UK Risks Losing Skilled Rail Jobs

Industry leaders say halting the Midland electrification project may cost £50–70 million and risk nearly £400 million in long-term economic benefits and around 5,000 jobs in the rail supply chain.

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Elaine Clark, CEO of the Rail Forum, said the UK move would harm supply chains immediately. Skilled workers may leave the sector, which would increase costs on future rail electrification work.

She noted the project was ready to implement and could show real results within the current parliamentary term, unlike other plans that remain in early development stages.

Clark added that remobilization costs and reliance on diesel traction hurt both users and taxpayers, especially in major UK cities like Derby and Nottingham.

UK Rail Leaders Call for Immediate Electrification Restart

Darren Caplan of the Railway Industry Association shared similar concerns. He said the pause disrupts economic growth and creates uncertainty in rail supply chains that completed earlier phases efficiently.

He also criticized the government for perpetuating a boom-and-bust cycle in UK rail electrification that discourages investment, limits performance, and blocks decarbonization progress.

Caplan urged Lord Hendy to limit the suspension to under a year and restart works soon. He also offered to lead a cross-industry group to support the UK’s Net Zero rail goals.

He emphasized the importance of a consistent national strategy for electrification to reduce emissions and secure freight and passenger rail sustainability across the UK.

Source: railnews.mobi

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