THE Oxford to Cambridge rail line is one of ‘the most important’ connections according to the transport secretary.

Chris Grayling will today set out a new vision for the country’s railways.

He will announce a change to the way the network is run and as part of the new proposals he will pledge to establish East West Rail – a separate organisation to Network Rail.

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Picture: PA 

In his speech he is expected to say: “The line from Oxford to Cambridge was closed in the 1960s, it was a decision we have lived to regret.

“To put it bluntly it is one of our most important corridors.

“And it is not just me, the National Infrastructure Commission has said so too, identifying the needs for tens of thousands of new homes in the area, and to design major new transport links with delivery of these homes in mind.

“It would be no exaggeration to say that the railways of this country are crucial to its economic future. Without them our economy would grind to a halt.

“Our railways need to adapt and change in order to be able to cope with the growth that they have already experienced and that which lies ahead.

“We need a railway which is sustainable in all senses of the word.

“And that means a series of changes to deliver the best possible passenger experience for the future.

“It means a change to the way the industry works in order to make sure it can meet the needs of passengers.”

Last month the Chancellor confirmed funding worth £110m for the line in the Autumn Statement.