Support for Nottingham to Lincoln rail plans

Political and business leaders have met in a show of support for improvements to the Nottingham to Lincoln rail corridor.

Midlands Connect has submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case to the Department for Transport, calling for an £18m investment to improve journey times. 

Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP for Nottingham South, discussed the plans with business representatives from East Midlands Chamber and Network Rail. 

A report titled All change: The Castle Line, details proposals to make train travel more attractive, reduce car dependence and benefit the local economies.

Currently just 10% of journeys between Nottingham and Lincoln are taken by rail, but if these plans get the go-ahead, trains will increase from predominantly 50mph to 75mph throughout the route. 

CEO of Midlands Connect, Maria Machancoses, said: “This is an important connection between two major urban areas, and our plans for investment represent the first step in encouraging more passengers to use the trains.

“We recognise the need to make train travel more attractive and help people transition to sustainable transport. 

“Our purpose is to create a fairer, greener and stronger Midlands. Faster connections between our towns and cities will bring a boost to the area for all the residents, businesses and visitors.“

Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP for Nottingham South, added: “We must ensure our transport network is fit for the future, attracting more people to use our railways and bringing investment to boost our economies.”

The plans have been developed with the support of Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Lincolnshire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnerships.

Network Rail and local train operator East Midlands Railway (EMR) are also key stakeholders in the process.

Midlands Connect recommends proposed milestones for work to start in April 2026, and complete in summer 2028.