The group says this is less than half of the 448km needed every year in order to achieve Network Rail’s target of electrifying 13,000km of line by the middle of the century, and calls for faster roll out to begin as soon as possible.

A project to electrify the Midland Main Line between Bedford and Corby was responsible for last year’s figure. “With no major schemes coming down the line, we can reasonably expect that there will be less work, not more, in the coming year,” warned Railway Industry Association technical director David Clarke.

“Crucially, the industry is also losing expertise and capabilities while schemes are stalled, meaning it will be harder to deliver the considerable amount of work needed if and when new projects are started,” he added.

“We need to get a programme of electrification work underway today, so we can decarbonise the network, bring greater benefits to passengers and freight users, and support the UK economy.”

The electrification data came from a statistical release by the Office of Rail & Road, which last week also published a report urging Network Rail to improve its planning of engineering works to minimise passenger disruption.

The review into railway possession efficiency found a high volume of ‘late changes’ to track access plans, which often occur after revised timetables have already been made available to passengers.

ORR chief executive John Larkinson said: “Improved planning, monitoring and delivery of possessions is essential in not only reducing disruption to passengers but also in reducing costs.

“Network Rail has responded positively to the review and we have seen progress on a number of initiatives designed to address possession inefficiencies. It is important now that when these prove successful that they are consistently shared and applied across all of the regions.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We know how important it is that passengers are given timely and accurate information about our engineering works so that they can plan their journeys accordingly. We are committed to working with the ORR to make improvements that will minimise disruption and maximise efficiency when we plan our closures while continuing to deliver investment in the railway.”

(Photograph: Network Rail)