Rishi has backed the Wensleydale Railway’s efforts to repair the line into the heart of the Dales.
The joined the heritage railway’s volunteers to see how work is progressing on the Return to Redmire project.
The project aims to restore passenger services on the stretch between Leyburn and Redmire which have not run since before the Covid-19 pandemic when all services were halted. The railway currently runs services from Leeming Bar to Leyburn.
Track and infrastructure had deteriorated and required considerable repair and replacement work.
The volunteers have already renewed drainage and cleared vegetation. Contractors have just completed major engineering work to move the line away from an embankment edge near Wensley station where erosion had left sleeper ends unsupported.
Rishi took a train ride along the partially restored line to see the work that is still to be done before regular passenger services can return.
He said: “The railway’s volunteers are doing an amazing job to get trains running through to Redmire from Leyburn again. Arguably it is the most scenic part of the line and the re-opening of the station at Redmire will allow the railway to take passengers into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales once more.”
Russell Lord, the railway’s Director of Infrastructure, said the railway was pleased to have their MP’s support.
He added that the goal was to re-open the line between Leyburn and Redmire stations by September 2025 to coincide with the 200th anniversary celebrations of the world’s first passenger service on the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825.
He said: “This is a major step forward in our plans to restore passenger services to Redmire. Our goal is an ambitious one and we face a few challenges ahead. However, we are determined to succeed and will shortly be focusing our attention on the section of track west of Wensley Station towards Redmire Station.”
While most of the project is being carried out by the railway’s band of volunteers, £30,000 needs to be raised to cover the costs of contractors and materials. The Return to Redmire project has a Just Giving page where donations may be made.
