UK rail freight to get US$14.71 billion in state funds over six years

BRITISH rail freight gets a six-year boost in an GBP9.4 billion (US$14.71 billion) investment for English and Welsh rail and GBP30 million for Scottish freight-related improvements under a scheme called the High Level Output Specification (HLOS).

A GBP200 million is earmarked for improvements to add to GBP55 million for the Rail Freight Network initiative of modification and modernisation to allow for longer, faster and taller freight trains.

The go-head for improvement at Peterborough North, Leicester Wigston and Ely North support growth of the deep sea container market by rail, said Freightliner strategy chief Lindsay Durham.

The move for more electrification on the rail network will not only reduce costs against current diesel but create environmental and economic benefits.

DB Schenker Rail UK chief executive Alain Thauvette said the package is key for continued enhancement of the UK rail network: "At a time when we are seeing significant growth in rail freight, which helps the government meet sustainability and economic objectives, this desire to increase rail's modal share of UK freight haulage should be taken forward with vigour."