“Bold” 15 year plan to upgrade Oxfordshire railways approved by council
The plan proposes five new stations, but still no go-ahead for Witney line
A plan to improve rail transport across Oxfordshire over the next 15 years has been approved. OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail will support the local economy, the environment and communities, according to Oxfordshire County Council.
In October the Government announced £120m of funding to re-open the Cowley Branch Line. The Cowley line will connect residents in southeast Oxford to the city centre in less than 10 minutes.
Two new stations at Cowley and Littlemore are expected to open by 2030, initially with two trains per hour, increasing to three by 2040.
OxRail 2040: Plan for Rail proposes a further three stations at Begbroke, Wantage & Grove, and Ardley.
A council spokesperson said: “All new stations will be subject to consultation, discussion and approval by the relevant local planning authority”.
A new rail line for Witney?
Oxfordshire County Council has been investigating the feasibility of a new railway line between Carterton, Witney and Oxford. A study published in 2023 predicted that this could offer significantly reduced journey times:
23 minutes from Carterton to Oxford
16 minutes from Witney to Oxford
11 minutes from Eynsham to Oxford
However the construction costs to build the railway line were estimated at between £700 and £900 million. The council said that such funding would need to come from the Government.
As part of OxRail 2040, Oxfordshire County Council said it will identify deliverable plans for faster travel options in West Oxfordshire by 2030, which may or may not include rail.
Beyond the five new stations, the plans include the completion of the East West Rail project, which is expected to link Oxford and Cambridge by 2038, alongside upgrades to Oxfordshire’s 23 existing train stations.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, said: “This is not simply a wish list. We have credible routes for the delivery of each of the proposals in OxRail 2040”.
Oxfordshire’s railways go electric
The plan envisions a zero-carbon rail network, through the building of new overhead line electrification, which is expected to be completed by 2037.
This “Electric Freight Spine” will enable rail freight to operate electrically, while providing charging infrastructure for battery-powered passenger trains.
The Oxfordshire Metro
The “Oxfordshire Metro” is the council’s vision for a fully integrated transport network. It is expected to bring together rail, bus, walking, and cycling, and aims to offer travellers more frequent and better coordinated public transport.
Oxford Station, which serves over 6.5 million passengers a year, will be transformed into a “landmark station” by 2037.
A major project is already underway at Oxford to increase capacity through the building of a new platform. Network Rail has been heavily criticised by residents and businesses for the disruption caused by the long-term closure of Botley Road. The road is set to reopen in August 2026.
Councillor Roberts said of OxRail 2040: “.... Success in delivering these aims will depend on the government, the rail industry and our local communities collaborating with us and playing their part.”