Re-introduction of freight trains on Kent railway line

The South Eastern Railway (SER) and the East Kent Railway (EKR) will explore the re-establishment of commercial freight traffic over the EKR to help with addressing government targets towards rail freight, which it sees as an important transition towards more sustainable transportation.  

The line has reportedly not been used for commercial freight traffic since 1987, when its job in transporting coal ended, and the coal mining industry more generally.  

Also part of the agreement is the SER’s plan to donate railway materials it no longer needs, such as rails and sleepers, to support EKR in maintaining its own infrastructure and services. In return, EKR will give SER the use of its facilities which are already used sporadically for things like training.  

This was confirmed at a short ceremony which took place on 5 September and marks the first agreement of its kind in Kent.  

It will aim to secure third-party funding to reconnect the East Kent Railway to the national network.  

“Working together through this memorandum of understanding provides a clear framework and we are excited about the possibilities it brings, not only to the South Eastern and East Kent Railways, but to wider society and the potential to support economic growth in East Kent,” said David Davidson, Chief Operating Officer for the South Eastern Railway. “And, what better time to do it than in 2025, the bicentenary of the railway.”