How much does it cost for a piece of Standard UK Railway Track in the UK?

Question

I would like to find out how much it would cost to bring back the "Stathspey Railway" line and many more of the old lines that were closed down as they would be used more now. I asked people in my local town if the services should be brought back and only 20% said no. It also would be helpful if you could tell me the price of trains to run on the track too. Thanks

Answer 1

Try emailing the Royal Deeside Railway in Banchory, near Aberdeen. They know all the information you need, even the price of ballast per ton.

In my opinion Dr Richard Beeching should be tried in abstentia for treason. He ruined the railways in the 1960's, as did Barbara Castle.

Answer 2

You might want to ask Network Rail - I'm sure they'd sell you some track panels. Remember that the "track" length you have stated (more that you haven't) comes in many lengths, curves, etc. The only trouble is how you'd transport it.

And as for Trains, if your going to use DMUs, I'd recommend you get on to the manufacturers themselves, or at least the leasing companies.

Answer 3

A bottomless pit of money would be required.

How much of the trackbed is still there?

Have any new roads been built over the old line?

Old bridges or tunnels intact or demolished?

Has the land been sold off or do Network Rail still own it?

Are old stations now private residence?

This is just the tip of the ice berg. The ultimate question is whether the line would be econimacally viable once it was rebuilt. Where does it go from and to? Who would use it?

It's a nice thought but unfortunately very flawed. The Scottish road network is vastly superior than the rail network. The sad fact is that the existing lines north of Edinburgh/Helensburgh/Glasgow only remain open due to the huge national outcry should closure be proposed.

Good luck with your campaign but get all your facts regarding costs and how many vehicles reopening these lines would take off the road before approaching the council or your MP in an official capacity.

Answer 4

Its not just the track, but the whole PW infrastructure, signals, rolling stock, electrical equipment, ballast, land, staff, maintenace teams, Platforms and Station equipment and staff, etc, etc.