01-08-2025
Long-forgotten UK train line to reopen after 60 years under £500million plan – and will slash journey times in half
A RAILWAY line abandoned over 60 years ago could be set to reopen, following a £500 million revamp.
The train line, which closed way back in 1966, plans to run hourly services to Southampton and London, slashing journey times to the two major cities.
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The £500 million revamp will include the reopening of part of the Totton to Hythe branch line and the restoration of Marchwood station.
In the longer term Grand Union Trains plans to open a park and ride facility between Hythe and Hardley.
Journey times slashed
Once the line is back up and running, it will take just 16 minutes to get from Marchwood to Southampton, far quicker than the 36 minutes it currently takes to get there by bus.
Trains from Marchwood to Waterloo will take one hour and 40 minutes, compared with the two hours and 20 minutes it takes currently.
Initial plans to reopen the line were scrapped by the government back in 2024, after it claimed the scheme would fail to deliver value for money.
However, the proposal has now been replaced by a privately funded alternative.
Grand Union Trains said: "The service would build on a recent comprehensive study that looked at re-opening the 'Waterside Line' to transform the connectivity of this important region.
"If approved, Grand Union Trains would look to re-open other parts of the line in a phased approach to its development."
80 jobs to be created
The reopening of the railway line is set to create 80 new jobs, providing a boost to the local economy.
If approved, the railway line could be up and running by September 2026.
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Cllr David Harrison who is in favour of the scheme, told the A&T: "I have heard conflicting opinions on whether this new venture will get the green light.
"I really hope it does. There is very strong support for the return of a railway passenger service up and down the Waterside.
'It would also greatly improve services from Totton.
"With constant problems on local roads causing traffic congestion and now, the ferry out of operation, it would be a great opportunity to provide people with an alternative".
Grand Union Trains added: "As well as around 80 new and permanent jobs, the introduction of this service will help in addressing the major road congestion that exists in the Waterside area, and we are keen to explore a more holistic transport offering with our bus and ferry colleagues to provide an integrated solution for local journeys.
'By offering a direct service to and from London we are also looking to attract visitors to the New Forest area via this route as opposed to just via Brockenhurst and believe this will significantly help in addressing the economic imbalance that currently exists.'
