Runway hopes reignite Heathrow southern rail plan

Plans for a new railway connecting Heathrow to Surrey and beyond have resurfaced as the track's supporters welcomed the government's backing for a third runway at the airport.

The line, called the Heathrow Southern Railway (HSR), is a privately financed proposal to link Surrey towns to one of the world's busiest airports.

If built, it would operate between Heathrow and London Waterloo via Staines.

There would also be direct trains from the airport to Woking and Guildford, before continuing to the south coast, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Baroness Jo Valentine, the chairperson of HSR, said: "The UK Government has set a bold agenda for growth with its support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

"Our railway enhances that growth by increasing connectivity and reducing surface emissions.

"These benefits accrue with a two runway airport but will be enhanced with an additional runway.

"We look forward to working with all partners to make this a reality."

The support for a third runway - delayed for decades over environmental concerns - is part of the government's plans to boost the UK's sluggish economy.

HSR chief executive Mark Livock said: "Heathrow Southern Railway has a depth of experience in creating opportunities for private investment that could deliver tangible benefits to the UK, and southern rail access to Heathrow would positively transform public transport connectivity to Europe's busiest airport."

The group estimates the new route would cut millions of road journeys.

An HSR spokesperson said the proposed route starts at Heathrow's Terminal 5 station and is intended to run mainly "in tunnel and be electrified" to minimise any environmental impact.

"It rises to the surface to connect to the existing railway near Staines and Virginia Water," they added.

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