ELECTRIC trains could be running on the Cotswold Line as far as Hanborough or Charlbury early in the next decade, if Network Rail adopts ideas in a new strategy document.

The proposal is made in the company’s draft Western Route Study, published on Monday, which looks at potential developments on the region’s railways from 2019 to 2043.

The document says that while the route’s current infrastructure is adequate to meet forecast growth in passenger traffic, the electrification of the line from Oxford to Banbury, due to be carried out some time between 2019 and 2024, offers an opportunity to also install overhead power lines to Hanborough or Charlbury, in conjunction with the reinstatement of more double track on the route, from Wolvercot junction at least far as Hanborough.

This could allow more trains to serve the eastern end of the line by extending services which would otherwise terminate at Oxford.

Network Rail relaid 20 miles of double track on the line in 2011, including the section from Charlbury to Ascott-under-Wychwood, reversing cutbacks made in 1971, but there is still single track between Oxford and Charlbury and from Evesham to Worcester.

The document adds that should it be decided to introduce a half-hourly train frequency all day between Oxford and Worcester, complete redoubling may be beneficial in the long term, as the single-track sections would be running at full capacity to handle the extra trains, and added: "This level of capacity utilisation is not acceptable for consistent delivery of a high-performing railway."

The document also says a boom in traffic at Hanborough means that lengthening of the station’s platform should be considered.

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail’s managing director for the Western route, said: “The region is already one of the busiest parts of the railway network and is currently undergoing a major programme of investment including electrification, new track and signalling, and a new fleet of electric trains to make sure it is fit for the future.

"But there is more we will need to do to keep up with the continuing growth in demand for rail travel between London, the Thames Valley, the West and South West of England.

“The purpose of this study is to ensure that we are in the best possible position to meet this demand and continue to drive economic growth across the region. This includes enabling increasing travel for leisure and business purposes and helping companies to move more goods, more efficiently by rail.

Witney Gazette: Patrick Hallgate

Patrick Hallgate

“To achieve this aim we need to hear from the public themselves, which is why we are seeking their feedback through this consultation on the study and the options it outlines.”

Members of the public are being invited to have their say about the ideas included in the study during the consultation, which runs until January 9 next year.

A final version of the document, taking into account the comments made during the consultation, will be published next spring, and will help to shape the Department for Transport’s strategy for the rail industry’s next five-year funding period, from 2019 to 2024.