The case for a western rail link from Reading and Slough to Heathrow Airport is ‘stronger than ever before’ amid hopes the project could be resurrected.
There has been a project stretching back to 2012 to create a dedicated train service between Reading and Slough and Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport.
The ‘western rail link’ -at the time- was justified as it would have removed the need for flyers to catch the Heathrow Express at London Paddington, cutting down journey times.
That link would involve a rail tunnel being established to take trains underneath both the Great Western Railway and M4 to get to Terminal 5.
However, the project was ‘deactivated’ by Network Rail in December 2020, and officially withdrawn in May last year.
But now there are hopes the project be resurrected by the Labour government through its English Devolution plans.
The government wants councils to unite on a regional basis. In answer to this, a Thames Valley Strategic Authority could incorporate Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire into a ‘super region’ empowered to deliver major infrastructure projects such as a western rail link.
The prospect of the return of the project has been celebrated by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, and Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central.
However, there are doubts about the case for the rail link, as passengers can get the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow by changing at Hayes & Harlington, or use the RailAir coach service in Reading which has departures from the station, Cemetery Junction and Winnersh Triangle station.
The conversation around the western rail link also comes as the Labour government is seeking to recommence with plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
Mr Dhesi argued the case for the rail link remains strong as it would be a major benefit to holidaymakers and business travellers in the South.
He said: “Inside and outside of Parliament, I have been advocating for the Western Rail Link to Heathrow, a 6.5km rail link which would make access to the UK’s busiest port quicker and more convenient for around 20 per cent of the British public including those in the Thames Valley, South East, South West and Wales.
“With a third runway proposed at Heathrow Airport, the case for the Western Rail Link to Heathrow is stronger than ever before and whilst discussions continue on a Thames Valley Strategic Authority, I would hope to see any local leaders push for the great many economic and environmental benefits the Western Rail Link to Heathrow could bring to our region and beyond.”
Mr Rodda added: “The Western Rail Link would offer significant benefits for Reading, as it would cut the journey time from Reading station to the airport to just 15 minutes.
“This would make an enormous difference to people who are travelling to Heathrow and it would create jobs and growth by making the town centre an even more attractive location for businesses.”
