Plans to reopen the Cowley Branch Line in Oxford have officially been confirmed, marking the return of passenger services for the first time since 1963. The line, which currently serves freight trains travelling to and from the BMW Mini Plant, will see new stations constructed at Cowley and Littlemore in south-east Oxford. The project forms part of a wider £500 million investment to improve infrastructure across the Oxford–Cambridge corridor, with £120 million specifically allocated to reopening the Cowley Branch. The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to turn the region into what it has described as the “European Silicon Valley.”

Anneliese Dodds, MP for East Oxford, said the reopening of the line was “finally going to become a reality,” and that it would “make a massive difference to local residents, slashing travel times and reducing congestion.” Oxfordshire’s five Liberal Democrat MPs — Freddie van Mierlo, Layla Moran, Charlie Maynard, Olly Glover, and Calum Miller — said the “major” announcement reflected “years of campaigning, local partnership and rigorous business-case work.” The government has stated that reopening the line could help create up to 10,000 new jobs and connect key parts of Oxford — including Littlemore, Cowley, Blackbird Leys, and Greater Leys — to the city centre in under ten minutes via a twice-hourly service.

Prof Irene Tracey, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, said the new connection would “stitch together” science parks, hospitals, and cultural spaces, enabling smoother travel for “ideas, researchers and local residents” between Oxford and other major centres such as London Marylebone. Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown described the Cowley Branch Line as “the single most important piece of infrastructure for connecting local communities and businesses in south and east Oxford,” adding that it would support climate goals and unlock new housing and job opportunities. Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, also welcomed the news, saying the project offered “obvious benefits” and “great value for money.”

Rob Brighouse, chair of the Oxford Strategic Rail Promoters’ Group, called the reopening a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” saying it would improve travel for residents and workers along the route while easing rail congestion through Oxford. Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted that the Cowley Branch Line aligns with the government’s “massive ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor,” building on the delivery of East West Rail to strengthen links between Oxford, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and beyond.

Private investment will also play a role in the project. The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), which conducts research in biology, agriculture, climate change, AI, and robotics, announced plans to provide £35 million in supplementary funding and to lead the design and construction of the new Littlemore station. EIT said the line would be “crucial” for supporting its future workforce, which could eventually reach 7,000 employees. Sarah Haywood, managing director of Advanced Oxford, described the scheme as an “exciting and important boost to the Oxford region,” while Yong Shen, director of the Oxford Science Park, said it represented a “significant, tangible step towards more sustainable transport options.” Oxford City Council confirmed that further work will take place to plan additional infrastructure such as bridges, pedestrian and cycle routes, and improved bus links to connect the new stations to their surrounding communities.

Image: Network Rail