Cornwall Rail Link: A Multibillion-Pound Leap Forward?

A feasibility study into a multibillion-pound rail link through Cornwall has been met with optimism by campaigners, who see it as a major step forward. The proposed route would connect Okehampton to Launceston, with a new station planned near Bodmin, before rejoining the existing main line.

Cornwall Council is now exploring a more detailed study, acknowledging the potential for enhanced rail resilience and increased freight train capacity. This could significantly benefit Cornwall's critical minerals industry by providing a viable freight route previously unavailable.

Railway engineer David Hill-Smith suggested an "obvious" route alongside the A30, potentially incorporating a new station site at Scarne due to its proximity to new developments and transport links. This new line is envisioned as being on par with national projects like HS2.

However, Councillor Leigh Frost cautioned that the railway is unlikely to be operational until the 2040s at the earliest. He stressed the need to identify barriers and opportunities, and to secure government funding for this ambitious undertaking.

Currently, Bodmin Parkway is the sole station serving North Cornwall, as Launceston's station closed in 1967. The new electrified line could drastically cut journey times, potentially reducing travel between London and Truro to two-and-a-half hours and avoiding resilience issues seen elsewhere.

North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire plans to discuss the proposal with the rail minister. He highlighted the project's potential to boost the economy, improve dismal journey times, and enhance freight capacity, while also addressing resilience concerns like those at Dawlish.