The Government has recently set aside £500 million to build a rail link between Heathrow and The West and is likely to agree a similar figure for a line running south from Heathrow. But Windsor Link Railway, a private company, is competing to build the route and for a fraction of the cost. It is proposing the first wholly privately funded new rail line in over 100 years. According to its website, Windsor Link Railway's proposals could save taxpayers over £1 billion.
This two phased project aims first to link Slough to Staines via Windsor and then to connect Heathrow to the Great Western Main Line and The South, significantly improving access to Heathrow and giving local people a much better service. It has support from local MPs including Michael Gove and Zac Goldsmith, Transport minister Theresa Villiers confirmed that it complies with the government’s specifications too.
What's more, 95 per cent of local residents were in support of the scheme according to recent polling and over 100 local businesses have signed a letter declaring the project better than competing schemes.
The cost per metre of track is far higher in the UK than elsewhere in Europe, a problem exacerbated by shocking inefficiency of Network Rail and the complexities in building new rail imposed by the Department for Transport. So it will be interesting to watch this develop. If new private rail could see significantly improved services for passengers and better value for money for taxpayers then the option must be seriously considered.