UK government sets 40% rail freight growth target by 2040

The UK government has announced a new rail freight growth strategy, setting a milestone target to increase freight moved by rail by at least 40% in net tonne kilometres by 2040. This serves as an intermediate step toward a long-term goal of a 75% increase by 2050.

Specific commodity targets include a 65% increase in high-value goods, a 45% increase in construction materials, and a 7% increase in critical goods. Achieving these targets is estimated to increase the value of goods moved by rail from £33.7 billion to £49.5 billion, adding approximately £15 billion in economic value.

Environmental benefits include an estimated annual saving of one million tonnes of CO2 compared to road transport. The strategy is supported by the Railways Bill, which is currently moving through the House of Lords. Once passed, the legislation will establish Great British Railways (GBR) and provide it with the statutory duty to oversee and support this freight growth.