To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that the Heart of Wales railway line is fully operational, including the passing loops which are out of use. [HL4702]

Network Rail is funded to maintain the steady state of the rail network in terms of the capability and capacity of the network. The independent Office of Rail Regulation is aware of the issues associated with the temporary reduction in the number of passing loops on the single track Heart of Wales line.

Network Rail sought a formal short-term network change at each of the loops to formalise the temporary reduced capability of the infrastructure. The Department for Transport has objected to the proposed temporary loss of capacity on the line.