£38bn rail revamp 'reset' over costs and delays
A £38 billion five-year government plan to overhaul Britain's railways is being "reset" because it is "costing more and taking longer", Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said.
Rail electrification projects are risk of being delayed
Network Rail has admitted some railway improvement projects, which are part of a £38bn five-year plan, are at risk of being delayed due to "stretching targets".
According to the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, projects that are being "paused" include:
- The electrification of the Midland Mainline
- Work on sections of transpennine electrification between Leeds and Manchester
Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, said "I recognise that these delays will cause disappointment for some passengers for which I can only apologise."
More top news
-
Joe Biden vows to fight racial inequality with economic agenda
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
-
Trump reverts to promoting unproven drug as coronavirus treatment
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
-
What the papers say – July 29
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.