East West Rail launches major consultation with accelerated delivery plans and increased capacity

East West Railway Company has launched its latest consultation on proposals for the new East West Rail route, outlining significant design updates aimed at accelerating delivery and increasing capacity across the line.

The project, which will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, is now moving towards its final route-wide consultation phase ahead of a planned Development Consent Order (DCO) submission in 2027.

Faster delivery and phased construction

A key change in the latest proposals is a shift towards a phased delivery model, allowing sections of the railway and new stations to open earlier rather than waiting for full completion.

This approach is designed to:

• bring forward benefits to local communities

• unlock housing and economic growth sooner

• support earlier connectivity across the Oxford–Cambridge corridor

Increased capacity and service frequency

Updated plans include:

• A core service of four trains per hour across the full route

• A potential fifth train per hour, either at peak times or full-time

• Introduction of five-carriage trains to meet rising demand

Key infrastructure updates

Several major upgrades and new developments have been outlined:

Tempsford

• New station brought forward by up to five years

• Improved connectivity to the East Coast Main Line

• Enhanced access via new pedestrian, cycle, and transport links

  
  

Marston Vale Line

• Accelerated upgrades including electrification

• New station at Stewartby to support the proposed Universal Resort Bedford

• Additional accessible stations at Woburn Sands, Ridgmont and Lidlington

Bedford

• New station with a western entrance

• Improved connectivity and regeneration opportunities

Cambridge

• New station at Cambridge East

• Additional station access and improved connectivity across the city

  
  

Supporting growth, housing and investment

The revised programme is expected to:

• support new housing developments

• attract investment and businesses

• strengthen regional connectivity

The railway also aims to support long-term growth across what is increasingly being positioned as a major UK economic corridor.

Sustainability and future transport

Plans include:

• hybrid electric and battery-powered trains

• improved active travel links

• enhanced green infrastructure and environmental mitigation

Consultation now open

The consultation is open from 14 April to 9 June 2026, with public events taking place across the route to gather feedback before final designs are submitted.