The plans show that Central Railway, conceived primarily to carry lorries-on-trains services and get freight off the roads and on to the rails, is looking to realise the full potential of this strategic addition to Britain''s rail system.
Development Director Robert Raffety said:"Getting lorries off roads and on to rails is Central Railway''s core vision. But a new railway linking London and Heathrow with the Midlands and the North will also bring major passenger opportunities. The need for this kind of additional capacity on Britain''s rail network is widely recognised."
"Our proposals fit perfectly into the Government''s plans not only for rail freight and reduction in environmental pollution, but also for improved passenger services. Increasing passenger links to Heathrow and other UK regions will contribute to a truly integrated transport system."
The Government, which recognises the importance of rail freight in its transport strategy, has asked the Strategic Rail Authority to look at the Central Railway proposals closely. The company has worked closely with the SRA''s consultants and is now preparing to facilitate a government-sponsored Bill later this year.
AN ARTIST''S IMPRESSION OF A EUROPEAN-STYLE, DOUBLE-DECKER PASSENGER TRAIN IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Notes for Editors:- Central Railway is an Anglo-French company proposing to design, build and operate a new rail link connecting the North West to northern France.
- The line will run from Liverpool, via Manchester, Sheffield, the Midlands and London, through the Channel Tunnel to the Lille area in Northern France. Most of the route will be existing or disused railways. A small part of the route will be new railway running alongside the M25 in Surrey to bypass overloaded existing lines.
- The railway will create a unique link into Europe as the only British railway able to carry lorries, and standard European freight trains (as well as any UK passenger or freight train). The project cost is estimated at approximately £5.5 billion and Central Railway is projected to produce a commercial rate of return enabling it to be built with private money.
- High-speed passenger services may require additional new tracks on the former Great Central section of the proposed route between Buckinghamshire and Leicester.