Written question asked by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Friday, 26 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

London Gateway Port: Railways

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the cost of electrifying the unelectrified section of railway between London Gateway port and the electrified rail network; and whether her Department has held discussions with private investors on potential funding options for that project.

Answer: Based on previous electrification projects, Network Rail have produced a high-level estimate for electrifying the route into London Gateway of £17.5-30 million. However, as we anticipate more multi-mode locomotives (which can operate on electric and diesel power) coming into use, the long-term benefits of London Gateway electrification are expected to be much smaller. We will continue to work closely with Network Rail and industry partners to determine how best to achieve greater freight capacity in the area and how that could be funded, both publicly and privately.

Secondary information