FULL electrification of the Midland Main Line to allow faster freight trains could be many years away, the council's barrister has argued as he maintains his attack on Helioslough's railfreight project.
The line is currently electrified only as far north as Bedford, but Mr Gallup's report says there are plans to install overhead power as all the way to Sheffield.
Mr Reed challenged: “Altough it says the benefits would be almost infinite, the Government hasn't actually commiited to electrification, has it?”
The witness replied: “No – but we don't rely on it. It is not an important part of our case, but I wanted to bring it to the inspector's attention.”
Unless the line is electrified, long distance freight trains will have to be pulled by diesel locomotives, slower and less reliable.
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