The North Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA) convened for its second annual meeting in Barnstaple, providing a comprehensive update on the ongoing endeavor to modernize the Tarka Line and reinstate passenger services to Bideford.
Local government representatives, rail industry leaders, and strategic transport planners gathered to discuss the progress, challenges, and future priorities for the region’s increasingly strained transport infrastructure.
Launched in late 2023, the NDRDA has rapidly expanded to include a broad network of stakeholders committed to enhancing public transport links in northern Devon. Barnstaple Town Council, in collaboration with the Tarka Rail Association and Railfuture, has been at the forefront of this initiative.
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Mayor Janet Coates highlighted the mention of the Tarka Line’s modernization in strategic planning documents, emphasizing the importance of finalizing business cases for investment adoption. North Devon MP Ian Roome stressed the pressing need for enhancements, supported by significant passenger growth on the line.
Andrea Davis, representing Devon County Council, reiterated the authority’s support for reinstating the Bideford line and emphasized the successful partnership with rail minister Lord Peter Hendy.
Mark Hopwood, managing director of Great Western Railway, acknowledged capacity constraints and outlined ongoing efforts to address reliability issues and improve infrastructure.
Network Rail’s Andrew Robinson detailed plans for potential rail infrastructure improvements, aiming to enable a more efficient and resilient service to meet future demands.
Peter West, a strategic advisor to the NDRDA, emphasized the critical role of intermediate stations and the importance of strategic business case development, while Roger Blake emphasized the need to justify change before detailed delivery planning.
Ian Baxter, strategic director at SLC Rail, shared insights into the potential demand and economic benefits of reopening the Bideford line, highlighting the impact on reducing car dependency and improving employment access.
Daniel Burke, representing Navantia UK / Harland and Wolff Appledore Shipyard, underscored the necessity of improved transport links to facilitate economic development and private investment in the region.
As the NDRDA enters its third year, stakeholders are united in recognizing the progress achieved and the work that lies ahead, including finalizing business cases, securing funding, and garnering political support to realize the aspirations of regional rail connectivity.