Group shot - The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP (seated far left) Chairs the latest GEML meeting at Westminster 24.06.19.
GEML Taskforce Chair, Priti Patel MP sees key elements of plan for new rail investment coming together
The latest Great Eastern Mainline (GEML) Taskforce meeting was held today at Portcullis House, Westminster (24.06.19). The meeting was chaired by Witham MP, the Rt Hon Priti Patel, and was attended by East of England MPs, rail executives and other key stakeholders.
Commenting after the meeting, Ms Patel said: “We had a really useful session and were able to assess progress on a number of key projects such as the Network Rail Capacity Study, where we were able to study the first draft, which is due to be signed off and submitted to the Department of Transport (DOT) in early Autumn. We looked at the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) via an update from Jacobs, who are planning to supply the final case report by the Autumn. The SOBC is the key first stage in the process of obtaining funding from the DOT’s Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline.
“We also received an update from Lichfields, who have been appointed to develop a study of the wider economic benefits that would be generated by new investment in rail infrastructure to improve the capacity of the GEML and help unlock the full economic potential of the region. Their study will also be completed before the end of the summer. It really feels like the key elements of our work are coming together.”
All of these items will be discussed at the Rail Conference to be held in Chelmsford on Thursday 11th July, when key stakeholders will be updated on progress and how they can support the renewed case for investment in the Great Eastern Main Line.