Concerns were registered over the lack of electrification of railways in the South West beyond Bristol, the stalled progress over the Okehampton line, the delay in the attempt to reopen the line to Tavistock from Bere Alston, as well as the capacity issue due to the single track running in East Devon that restricts the numbers of trains that can run between Exeter and London Waterloo.

Cllr Yvonne Atkinson asked: “As it is claimed there has been continuing positive engagement with Government in relation to Railways, why is it that the Government has failed to support electrification of railways in the South West beyond Bristol, and why have they failed to invest in the improvement to the Okehampton line and to link it up with Bere Alston, thereby seriously affecting our ability to reach our true economic potential increase or productivity and address the climate emergency but is prepared to invest vast sums in other regions?

Cllr Atkinson also questioned when all these improvements were actually going to lead to results for Devon, and why is it that government can fund HS2 but they do not wish to fund these essential works in Devon?

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/electrification-costs-tripled-passing-loop-3629193