East Midlands Trains considers increasing number of tracks between Kettering and Market Harborough

Rail users travelling from Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby and Market Harborough could see an increased service if a new plan by East Midlands Trains is given the go-ahead.
One option is to increase the number of tracks between Kettering and Kilby Bridge Junction just to the south of Leicester from two to four.One option is to increase the number of tracks between Kettering and Kilby Bridge Junction just to the south of Leicester from two to four.
One option is to increase the number of tracks between Kettering and Kilby Bridge Junction just to the south of Leicester from two to four.

The train service announced yesterday (Thursday) that it was looking at a number of options which would see the firm reach its growth target by 2043.

One option is to increase the number of tracks between Kettering and Kilby Bridge Junction, just to the south of Leicester, from two to four.

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Leicestershire and Northamptonshire Rail Action Committee chairman Christopher Groome welcomed the news.

He said: “Having only two tracks between Kettering and Leicester restricts the capacity available for people travelling.

“It’s difficult to mix fast and slow trains but four tracks would make that easier.

“I think this is good news as when business and the population goes through a huge rise as it is, there is an increase in congestion.”

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The plans outline the rail company’s ideas as part of its vision to cut journey times and increase travel opportunities.

It is expected that the midland mainline between London and Kettering and Corby will be fully electrified by 2019.

If the Kettering to Kilby Bridge Junction option is taken further, there could four trains per hour between Kettering, Wellingborough, Market Harborough and London and two between Corby and London.

Mr Groome added: “Train fares have stopped rising at the moment and I think the Government has realised that making trains affordable is important.

“There are a lot plans to improve our trains and roads but concentrating on trains is a good idea.”