British rail operator plans new high speed train line linking London to Scotland

Britain considers new high-speed rail to Scotland

LONDON — Britain’s rail operator says it has plans for a new high-speed rail line that could get travelers from London to Scotland in two hours.

Network Rail said on Wednesday it has developed proposals for a 34 billion pound ($55 billion) new line through cities in western Britain, including Manchester and Liverpool.

Trains would run at 200 mph (322 kph) and cut the current 4 hour, 40 minute-long trip from London to Edinburgh by more than half.

The plans would need government approval and the project would likely be funded by a private sector consortium, Network Rail says.

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis says the government is committed to a new high-speed rail link. He said his ministry will study Network Rail’s proposal.