I always find it strange that there appeared to be huge urgency to wire this route to Corby, yet the electrification programme of the majority of the line to Sheffield seems painfully slow (not to mention being cancelled/reinstated at least three times). As it stands the work continues but wIll the MML ever be completely electrified? I'm not sure it will to be honest. The government are definitely not fully onboard with the project (why else would they order bi mode diesel trains instead of fully electric?) but I've never fully understood why? Perhaps somebody coul enlighten me.
Hello. This is a question I'd like answered as well, actually. I'll give my general take on it, though. We seem to be better at delivering smaller projects in this country, where the budget and deadlines are less likely to overrun. That and local political will are often key factors. Comparing the MML with the Great Western, there were similar issues. Much of the route was electrified, but key places were cut out (Swansea, Bristol and Bath area, Oxford). The reliance on bi-modes played a big part, yes. I hope Network Rail (and GBR) keep the faith, re the remainder of the MML to Sheffield, though.
