Hampshire scraps rail reopening plans over cost concerns

Plans to reinstate passenger rail services on the former Fawley branch line in Hampshire have been officially scrapped by the government. This decision follows a consultation by Network Rail in 2022, which revealed that despite significant public support, the project was deemed not to provide value for money. The estimated cost for reintroducing the service was around £45 million, which included necessary upgrades to signalling and the construction of a new station at Hythe. The Fawley branch line, which has not seen regular passenger trains since 1966, was previously used for oil trains until 2016. The line's potential for passenger services had been a topic of discussion since 2009, with various reports indicating it had a strong case for reinstatement. However, the recent announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to end the Restoring Your Railway fund has significantly impacted the project's viability. Local councillors expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing the widespread support for the reopening as a means to alleviate congestion in the area. They now plan to shift their focus towards improving bus services and restoring the ferry service along the Waterside. The closure of the Restoring Your Railway programme is part of a broader strategy by the current government to save £85 million overall. This decision marks a significant setback for local transport initiatives and highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing public transport funding with fiscal responsibility.