News analysis - Rail electrification: engineers consider the overheads [Energy Railway]

THE QUESTION of replacing the ´third rail´ electrification system on south-east England´s railway network with overhead wiring has received new attention recently, both from within and outside the industry. In a report on transport preparations for winter weather, published early this year, the House of Commons Transport Select Committee reiterated its view that the government should push for the planned conversion of the Southampton to Basingstoke line to take place speedily, so the benefits could be evaluated and a business case built for further conversion.