Powering Up the Network

There has been a reluctance by the UK Treasury to fund railroad electrification because the benefits are viewed as too long-term. This article discusses some of the benefits of electrification, and identifies some electrification priorities. Electrification would improve service, provide much-needed diversionary routes at times of disruption, and reduce carbon emissions. Since the industry has lost expertise on overhead electrification, small schemes should be addressed first in order to build overhead line engineering skills. Another way to take advantage of electrification is to run electric trains on railways that are already electrified. On the East Coast Main Line, for example, about one-third of long distance high-speed departures from Kings Cross are operated with diesel traction although most of the track is electrified. The rising price of oil and the demand for greater environmental protection help reinforce the case to start implementing at least some electrification projects as soon as possible.