Call for faster trains to link cities as part of £18m Castle Line upgrade

PLANS for faster trains on the railway line connecting Lincoln and Nottingham are gathering speed as part of a project to entice more passengers.

- By LAYCIE BECK

Commuters have outlined their support for the proposed upgrades to the Castle Line, which is a main east-west link and serves a number of urban and rural areas.

This includes Hykeham and Swinderby in Lincolnshire, and places like Collingham, Newark and Lowdham in Nottinghamshire.

The line plays a critical role in connecting the cities, but it is reported that only 10% of trips between Nottingham and Lincoln are made by train.

The proposed upgrades are estimated to cost £18m.

The plan has been put forward to the Department for Transport by Midlands Connect, and aims to increase train speeds on the route from about 50mph to 75mph, which would improve journey times and encourage more people to choose the train over cars.