Mayors Propose New Midlands-Northwest Rail Link

A new high-speed train line between Paris and Milan is set to launch in 2032, cutting travel time from seven hours to approximately four and a half hours, while also enhancing freight transport and reducing local air pollution. The €25 billion project includes the Mon d’Ambin Base Tunnel, which will become the longest railway tunnel in the world. In the UK, campaigners are hopeful for the reinstatement of a railway link between Lancashire and Yorkshire, which has been closed since the 1970s, as recent discussions with the government show promise. Additionally, a private consortium has proposed the Midlands-Northwest Rail Link, which aims to connect Birmingham and Manchester at a fraction of the cost of the canceled HS2 Phase 2, potentially adding £70 billion to regional economies. This new rail link is considered vital for alleviating congestion on the West Coast Main Line, which is under significant operational strain. Mayors from both regions are advocating for urgent action to ensure the transport network can effectively meet future demands.