Campaigners hope a passenger line through central England could be open again as early as 2026.
Backers of the 31 mile Leicester to Burton Ivanhoe line believe there is enough of a case to get Government backing to reopen the track to paying passengers.
The line has been freight only since the Dr Beeching cuts of the 1960s. It is one of several around the UK that the Government is looking at bringing back into service.
The route has eight potential stations – in Drakelow & Stapenhill, Castle Gresley (near Swadlincote), Moira, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Coalville, Ellistown, Meynell’s Gorse and Leicester South. However, the current business case only includes four.
East Midlands Chamber is supporting the Campaign for Reopening the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL), suggesting there could be significant benefits for businesses along the route.
The campaign has already had government funding for a feasibility study and in June the Department for Transport announced in June the scheme was among nine – chosen from 39 – that could move on to the next stage as part of the Restoring Your Railway initiative.
Further Network funding is being provided for a more detailed study of the construction costs and to look into the overall benefits.
Subject to government approval work could start within two years.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said the efforts of the CRIL volunteers had been monumental.
He said: “While there is still a long way to go, bringing this important rail route back to life would provide a boost to the economy for the many communities along the route by opening up further connections with the rest of the region and country.
“Improved connectivity would enable companies to tap into a wider labour pool across Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
“The proposed Leicester South station, meanwhile, would complement Leicester City’s plans for an expanded King Power Stadium and wider development scheme.”
CRIL business liaison manager Stacey Ash said: “The decision to take our project to the next stage is a fantastic boost for the communities along the Ivanhoe Line, which could benefit from improved journey times and better connectivity across the region, regeneration of areas surrounding stations and a healthier environment.
“We now need to engage even more closely with our local stakeholders, including businesses and residents, to help us understand their needs so we can fully articulate the benefits a reopened Ivanhoe Line will deliver.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with all stakeholders along the line to further develop the business case to justify the reopening of the Ivanhoe Line to passengers, building on the work done so far by CRIL.
“We encourage businesses to think about how a reopened line may be incorporated into their future business plans and to feedback via CRIL any economic or employee benefits they feel it might bring to them.”
