£11 billion rail infrastructure plan to benefit UK rail freight

The Western Gateway* Partnership's Rail Deal, which would be partly funded by central government, would also see half a dozen stations upgraded across the south west of England and south Wales.

In Western Gateway's Strategic Rail Vision document, published on 31 January, plans to electrify up to 460km of lines were also announced – saving 29kT CO2e annually as part of the rail network's net-zero targets. The improved infrastructure will also 'enable more people and freight to use the network, helping to drive mode shift'.

The ambitious plans to build 30 new stations could transform the railways and halve journey times for more than five million Brits. The project aims to improve connections between a slew of major cities and the surrounding rural areas while unlocking a staggering '£17 billion in economic benefits'.

If given the green light, the Western Gateway Partnership's Rail Deal will also see an additional 23 services per hour launched. It would see journeys from Bristol to London reduced to just one hour, while Bristol to Cardiff will be down to 30 minutes.

Ellis Shelton, Logistics UK's Senior Policy Advisor said… "The Western Gateway Partnership's Rail Deal offers significant benefits. The infrastructure upgrades, electrification efforts and improved network connectivity not only boost environmental credentials but also enhance operational efficiency, capacity and competitiveness for freight services.

"This is a forward-thinking investment that has the potential to modernise the freight landscape while supporting broader economic and sustainability goals in the region. By enabling more people and freight to use the rail network, the Rail Deal plays a critical role in driving a mode shift."

*The Western Gateway is comprised of two governments and 28 local authorities.