Ambitious plans to create a new underground rail terminal at East Midlands Airport are designed to shorten travel routes between the region and Nottingham.
The proposals, created by campaign group Sustainable Transport Midlands (STM), are part of an exciting scheme with its purpose to give the East Midlands a rail network that could compete with the south.
Leicestershire Live reports how the plans, known as East Midlands Commuter Programme, are split into four stages. Its first step is focused on developing the rail network in Nottingham and Derby.
Perhaps in the most impressive plan is for an underground rail terminal which could create much shorter travel times between Castle Donington's East Midlands Airport and Nottingham.
Thomas Haines, the programme’s project executive, said he was determined to see it through.
“The scheme has taken months to develop,” he said.
“The East Midlands Commuter Programme is a concept I have had for many years, constantly coming up with new, fantastical versions of it.
“I cannot wait to help make this a reality, however long it takes.
"The East Midlands has long suffered from under-investment when it comes to public transport, and this plan attempts to go at the very least a small way to rectifying that.”
If the plans became a reality, the programme would also benefit North West Leicestershire. The group hopes to reopen passenger operations on part of the Leicester-to-Burton railway line.
Known as the Ivanhoe Line, the STM would aim to reopen stations at Coalville, Ashby, Sinope, the Stephenson Industrial Estate and Moira, as well as neighbouring stops in Derbyshire.
It would be the first passenger travel in the area since the Ivanhoe Line was closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching Cuts.
However, the scheme missed out on vital funds from the government last year.
Mr Haines said the group expected stumbling blocks along the way to getting its dreams realised.
He added: “Of course there are several obstacles, such as the numerous other proposals by other rail personnel with more years of experience under their belts, and of course it would be easier and cheaper to deliver this if HS2 took its originally intended route via Toton, but I am prepared to work hard with these other rail personnel."
STM chief executive Harry Burr said he believed the project would be achieved.
He said: "I’m really pleased to be introducing this new campaign," he said. "We have hardly touched the northern parts of the region during our campaign operations, but that all changes with a major new programme we’re so happy to be leading."
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