Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate he has made of the total cost of the upgrade to the Midland Main Line; and how that figure differs from the initial estimate of that cost.

We announced on 20 July 2017 our plans for the Midland Main Line, along with the launch of the public consultation for the next East Midlands franchise. The next East Midlands franchise will be an important step in realising the benefits of the biggest investment in the route since it was completed in 1870.

The upgrade will enable reduced journey times and more seats for long distance passengers during the peaks, as well as dedicated commuter services with longer trains. The next operator will be required to deliver modern, fast, efficient and comfortable trains, including a brand new fleet of bi-mode intercity trains from 2022, with more seats and better on-board facilities.

In July 2012, the indicative cost for the electrification and upgrade of the Midland Main Line was estimated at £800 million. Network Rail is currently in negotiation with its suppliers regarding the planned work to be carried out on the Midland Main Line, and it is not therefore possible to give such an estimate without potentially compromising their financial position in those negotiations.