Contrary to media reports, Britain's railways are enjoying a "renaissance" but major challenges lie ahead for improving Britain's rail networks, the UK's Under Secretary for Transport Tom Harris has announced.
In an opening speech at rail infrastructure conference Infrarail 2008 in Birmingham, UK, Harris highlighted the government's drive to improve and grow Britain's passenger rail network through its White Paper.
The government is set to spend £10bn on "enhancing capacity" and "will continue to put passengers first to make the network safer and more reliable," says Harris.
But Harris also admits there is currently great pressure on infrastructure to run longer trains more reliably and reduce the impact of environmental and noise pollution.
Harris says standardisation in European operability to create wider access for suppliers and contractors across the continent must be "made welcome".
He also points out the importance of promoting more knowledge and skills to compete with countries like China and India who are investing in massive rail and freight projects.
The White Paper, Delivering a Sustainable Railway, was published in July 2007, to provide strategic direction for the development of the UK's rail network.
By Ozge Ibrahim
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