§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the(a) status, (b) start date and (c) expected completion date is of the Arun Valley rail upgrade. [140485]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Arun Valley upgrade was proposed by Go Via as part of their plans for a 20 year franchise. The Strategic Rail Authority subsequently agreed a shorter franchise with Go Via. The development of infrastructure upgrades will be taken forward by the SRA separately from franchise replacements. The focus currently is on the major upgrade of the power supply in the Southern Region. The Strategic Rail Authority has developed a Capacity Utilisation Policy which seeks to make the most efficient use of the existing network. Work on a Route Utilisation Strategy for the Brighton Main Line has begun. This will help to inform the need for any future infrastructure upgrades.