Written question asked by Viscount Hanworth (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Monday, 30 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Railways: Electrification

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the range and traction power requirements of non-electrified rail services; and how these factors are informing technology choices where full electrification is not currently planned, particularly where battery-powered trains may face operational constraints.

Answer: Officials from the Department for Transport are working closely with Network Rail to produce their new 'Future Electric Railway' strategy. This strategy will include an examination of the whole life costs and technological capability of each option to remove diesel traction in order to set out a realistic, affordable, and deliverable approach to a net zero railway. This strategy will also complement the Department’s ‘Rolling Stock and Infrastructure’ strategy to identify the correct solution for upgrading both track and train as required. We anticipate both strategies being published mid-2026.

Secondary information