New Manchester–Birmingham rail link planned alongside NPR strategy

Plans for a new rail connection between Manchester and Birmingham were highlighted in government announcements this week set against a revised timetable for the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) programme.

Alongside the multi‑billion‑pound strategy to improve rail connectivity across northern England under NPR, ministers also set their long‑term objective to develop a full north–south line from Birmingham to Manchester, but made clear this would follow completion of NPR’s core east–west works.

The Treasury said the new Manchester–Birmingham line would not be a reinstatement of the previously scrapped High Speed 2 (HS2) northern leg and no construction timeline or detailed funding package has yet been provided. Officials said the route is expected to ease capacity pressures on the West Coast Main Line but would not open until after NPR is finished — likely placing delivery into the mid‑2040s or later.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, speaking in response to the announcements, emphasised the importance of improved north–south links. “Delivering better rail connections between major city regions like Manchester and Birmingham is essential for economic growth and capacity on our rail network,” he said, adding that work is needed to progress feasibility and strategic planning for the route.

The NPR revision confirmed this week prioritises east–west connectivity first, focusing on upgrading existing lines and building a new Liverpool–Manchester route via Manchester Airport and Warrington Bank Quay, with the earliest phases of delivery expected during the 2030s.

Transport authorities in Greater Manchester (GMCA) and the West Midlands (WMCA) have supported efforts to enhance rail capacity between the North West and the Midlands following HS2’s cancellation, and have previously explored alternative proposals such as the Midlands‑North West Rail Link to connect the two regions. However, current government planning emphasises sequencing these improvements after NPR’s main construction phases.

At present, no dates have been confirmed for when preparatory work or construction might begin on the Manchester–Birmingham link, and further detail is expected as part of ongoing development and feasibility studies with local partners.