Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Network Rail's Project Reach to improve railway connectivity experiencing significant delays
Conclusion
The Department told us that Network Rail, and in turn therefore the Department for Transport and its accounting officer, are responsible for the business case for improving connectivity on the railways. Owing to the infrastructure required, the case for improving connectivity has to be judged alongside other priorities for investment on the railways. Project Reach, Network Rail’s programme to improve connectivity on the railways has been delayed, with some key rail lines missing out. The Department acknowledged that, as it and the Department for Transport learn more about the gaps in coverage and the case for intervention, they will want to do more to improve connectivity on the railways.55 53 Qq 19, 21; C&AG’s Report, para 4.14 54 Qq 19, 22; C&AG’s Report, para 4.14 55 Qq 19–22 Supporting mobile connectivity 17 3 Plans for 5G and future connectivity Establishing the case for 5G
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 11 July 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗