UK Parliament approves rail re-nationalisation plan
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

UK Parliament approves rail re-nationalisation plan

The UK Parliament has approved legislation proposed by the Labour government to renationalise the country’s rail services, moving them back into public ownership under the management of ‘Great British Railways’. The bill allows rail operators to be nationalised upon the expiration of their private contracts or earlier in cases of mismanagement.

The move was hailed as a ‘landmark’ by the TSSA rail union after an attempt by opposition Conservatives to amend the legislation was narrowly defeated in the House of Lords by 213 votes to 210. TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust described the decision as a victory for public transport, emphasising that railways belong "in public hands as a vital service."

Labour, which returned to power in July after 14 years in opposition, campaigned on promises to overhaul the nation’s struggling transport services. The government confirmed it would not need to pay compensation to private rail operators, as current contracts will expire by 2027.

The privatisation of UK rail services began in the mid-1990s under then-Conservative Prime Minister John Major, though the rail network itself remained under public control via Network Rail. In recent years, four of England's 14 rail operators were temporarily brought under state control due to poor performance.

Scotland and Wales, where transport policies are managed by devolved administrations, already operate state-owned rail services.

British railways have faced significant challenges, including widespread strikes over pay and working conditions, persistent train cancellations, and passenger dissatisfaction with high ticket prices, all exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

(ET)

The UK Parliament has approved legislation proposed by the Labour government to renationalise the country’s rail services, moving them back into public ownership under the management of ‘Great British Railways’. The bill allows rail operators to be nationalised upon the expiration of their private contracts or earlier in cases of mismanagement. The move was hailed as a ‘landmark’ by the TSSA rail union after an attempt by opposition Conservatives to amend the legislation was narrowly defeated in the House of Lords by 213 votes to 210. TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust described the decision as a victory for public transport, emphasising that railways belong in public hands as a vital service. Labour, which returned to power in July after 14 years in opposition, campaigned on promises to overhaul the nation’s struggling transport services. The government confirmed it would not need to pay compensation to private rail operators, as current contracts will expire by 2027. The privatisation of UK rail services began in the mid-1990s under then-Conservative Prime Minister John Major, though the rail network itself remained under public control via Network Rail. In recent years, four of England's 14 rail operators were temporarily brought under state control due to poor performance. Scotland and Wales, where transport policies are managed by devolved administrations, already operate state-owned rail services. British railways have faced significant challenges, including widespread strikes over pay and working conditions, persistent train cancellations, and passenger dissatisfaction with high ticket prices, all exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. (ET)

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

CPCL crosses $10 million revenue milestone

Chaitanya Projects Consultancy (CPCL), a leading infrastructure and engineering consultancy, has surpassed $10 million in annual revenue for FY 2024–25, marking a five-year compound annual growth rate of 28.2 per cent—well above the industry average. Established in 2004, CPCL has delivered over 300 projects across highways, bridges, urban infrastructure, water, transport, and environmental sectors. Its achievements include over 600 km of six-lane highways, 2,000 km of national highways, and 100 major bridges. “Our goal has always been to improve India’s infrastructure,” sai..

Next Story
Resources

KPIL secures new orders worth Rs 37.89 billion

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL), a major EPC player in power transmission and civil infrastructure, has secured new orders worth approximately Rs 37.89 billion along with its international subsidiaries. The orders include a significant contract in the Buildings and Factories (B&F) segment in India, marking KPIL’s largest B&F order to date. The project involves the development of over 12 million sq ft of residential space with supporting infrastructure, awarded on a design-build basis. Additionally, the company has won new transmission and distribution (T&D) order..

Next Story
Real Estate

Apartment loading rises to 40 per cent in top cities

Driven by rising demand for premium amenities, the average apartment loading across India’s top seven cities has reached 40 per cent in Q1 2025, up from 31 per cent in 2019, according to ANAROCK Research. The loading factor, or the area paid for beyond the usable carpet area, covers common spaces such as lobbies, staircases, and clubhouses. Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continues to lead with the highest loading at 43 per cent. Bengaluru saw the sharpest jump, from 30 per cent in 2019 to 41 per cent in Q1 2025. Chennai recorded the lowest average loading at 36 per cent. “Sixty..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?