Windosr Link tunnel

The Windsor Link Railway submitted its proposals on July 31 for a railway connecting the South Western and Great Western Main Lines, as well as creating a new route to Heathrow.

Phase 1 of the planned line is for a new rail tunnel in Windsor that would deliver a railway linking the two main lines.

These are currently 300 metres apart, and the bidders say this would join the economically important M3 and M4 corridors as well as improving links to Heathrow. It would also act as a catalyst for Windsor regeneration, according to the Windsor Link Railway company.

Phase 2 would connect Heathrow to the west via a number of options, including enhancing a western connection via Slough or a ‘two-for-the-price-of-one’ alignment, which provides both western and southern access with a single link.

If approved, the equity element of the scheme through to completion would be financed by infrastructure investment fund Meridiam, which has joined a newly formed consortium.

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “We want to provide a sustainable future for the rail sector, and open up the development and delivery of rail infrastructure to take full advantage of new and innovative solutions and relieve the burden on taxpayers and farepayers.”

Meridiam Senior Investment Director Olivier Bramaud-Grattau said: “Meridiam’s investment model is based on aligning investor interests with those of public bodies and communities.”

George Bathurst, Managing Director and Founder of the Windsor Link Railway, said: “We have successfully campaigned for the new government policy to recognise privately promoted railways. We now look forward to the Government’s response.

“If accepted, this will be the first new railway not requiring net funding from government over its lifetime, since the days of the original railway companies.

“This market-led approach is the future of our railways and will ultimately replace the current franchise system, leading to lower fares and more reliable journeys.”