Rail freight growth central to rail industry Strategic Business Plan

by Press Release on 2013-01-09 00:26:07

DB Schenker Rail UK, Britain’s largest rail freight operator, welcomes the publication today of the Industry Strategic Business Plan, a cross-industry document that supports Network Rail’s plan for the railway over the next five year control period (2014 to 2019).

The plan confirms the continued development of the Strategic Rail Freight Network, which will see over £200 million invested on core UK rail corridors to accommodate larger, longer and heavier freight trains.  This, combined with the ongoing commitment between rail operators and Network Rail to secure efficiencies to reduce the cost of the railway, will assist in facilitating the modal shift of cargo from road haulage to freight trains.

Alain Thauvette, Chief Executive of DB Schenker Rail UK, said:  “Our customers rely on an efficient and effective UK network for the haulage of raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets.  As a member of the Rail Delivery Group I am pleased that the Industry Strategic Business Plan is a response to the High Level Output Specification documents published in July last year by the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland.  It will help the rail network to grow and be developed to assist rail freight users.  

“DB Schenker Rail UK will continue its work with Network Rail to deliver the most efficient and cost effective freight railway.  Rail freight is planned to grow by 4% each year over the next 15 years and this plan will help provide the railway to accommodate that growth.”