According to new data published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), just 179km of track was electrified in the 2020-2021 period, less than half the 448km required each year to meet Network Rail’s target of a Net Zero railway by 2050, the RIA said. Ultimately, 13,000km of track needs to be electrified by 2050 to meet the targets; today, just 38 per cent of the Britain’s railways are electrified.
It’s not the first time such a criticism has been levelled about the Government’s commitment to the railway electrification programme.
In July, MPs on the Public Accounts Committee said the UK’s rail system lacks “strategic direction” for the project.
Electric trains have been estimated to emit 20-35 per cent less carbon emissions than those powered by diesel.
David Clarke, technical director of the RIA, said: “New data published today shows that the UK electrified some 179 track-kilometres in 2020-21, mostly on completing the Midland Mainline upgrade between...