Exciting plans are underway to revive rail connections in North Devon, promising better transport options for locals and visitors alike
Bideford: There’s a big push to bring back rail connections in North Devon. A group of councils and rail supporters is leading the charge. They want to upgrade the Tarka Line and reconnect Barnstaple with Bideford.
The Northern Devon Railway Development Alliance (NDRDA) started last year. They’re working hard to make this vision a reality. They’ve been busy with business cases and getting the public involved.
Alan Clark, a key member of the NDRDA, shared their two main goals. First, they want to upgrade the Tarka Line from Exeter to Barnstaple. Second, they aim to create a new rail link between Bideford and Barnstaple.
Since its launch, the NDRDA has grown. It started with a few councils and groups, but now includes more towns. Their kickoff event in March drew a crowd from various organizations, showing strong support.
One of their early wins was drafting important business cases. These are crucial for getting public funding. Some councils have already chipped in financially, but more support is needed.
The rail revival gained momentum in 2021. Government funding helped reopen the Okehampton line, and the return of the Atlantic Coast Express nameplates sparked interest. This led to the ACE Rail campaign, which is now part of the NDRDA.
The Alliance has been gathering evidence, showing a rise in Tarka Line passengers. A report even named Bideford as a top candidate for new stations. But they know they need to upgrade the current line first.
In a recent debate, North Devon MP Ian Roome stressed the need for more carriages on the Tarka Line. The Transport Minister listened, and it seems GWR might expand its fleet, which is good news for Barnstaple and Okehampton.
They’re also addressing worries about the Tarka Trail. Clark reassured everyone that the trail will remain intact. He pointed out successful examples where railways and cycleways coexist.
As 2025 approaches, the Alliance is focused on modernizing the Tarka Line and planning for the Bideford extension. It’s a complex journey, but they’re making strides toward better rail connections in North Devon.
Clark believes they can turn this vision into reality with steady progress. The groundwork is being laid, and the future looks bright for rail travel in the area.
