Abstract
Following cost and time overruns on several high profile electrification programmes, particularly on the Great Western and Midland mainlines, the Department for Transport have halted further electrification in favour of
discontinuous solutions. Hybrid diesel/electric trains are now being introduced with end-to-end electrification curtailed, so that journeys such as London- Swansea or London-Sheffield will not be completely electric for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile the rail industry, led by the Railway Industry Association (RIA), has suggested that the costs of electrification could be significantly reduced and that ‘continuous’ end-to-end electrification remains the best option for intensively used routes. This presentation will look at the relevant engineering and policy issues surrounding rail electrification, to reflect on recent experience to address challenges around the cost and delivery of rail electrification.
