New Funding for Heathrow Rail Link

Network Rail has indicated that the proposed rail link connecting the Great Western mainline to Heathrow Airport may still progress, contingent on future funding. Recent reports from the Local Democracy Reporting Service suggested that the project, which has been in development since 2012, was on hold. The ambitious plan involves constructing a 4-mile (6.5 km) rail link that would facilitate direct train services from Reading and Slough in Berkshire to Heathrow, bypassing the need for travelers to transit through London. The estimated cost of the scheme is £900 million, aimed at providing residents west of Heathrow with a more convenient travel option to the airport. A spokesperson for Network Rail clarified that the project was marked as closed for "administrative reasons," but emphasized that it could be revived if a viable business case and funding agreement are established, including contributions from the aviation industry at Heathrow. In April, Labour MP for Slough, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, initiated a parliamentary debate on the western rail link and formed the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Western Rail Link to Heathrow. Dhesi underscored the importance of keeping the project on the government's agenda, noting that it has faced numerous delays and funding obstacles. Despite these challenges, he highlighted the broad cross-party and local support for the initiative, suggesting a continued interest in its potential realization.