The future of UK freight growth requires the installation of more rail capacity, according to GB Railfreight. 

Managing director of the organisation John Smith has called on Network Rail to safeguard its track expansion plans for the Midland Main Line. 

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin last month told Network Rail to pause electrification of this line between London and Sheffield, as well as the TransPennine route between Manchester and Leeds. 

While this announcement was greeted with concern from many industry bodies, Mr Smith said it is a welcome one if it means capacity enhancements will gain additional investment. 

The addition of two new lines running parallel to existing lines - four-tracking - on some routes was hailed by Mr Smith as a particularly strong move.

"Four-tracking this route would tackle many of the bottlenecks along the line and cater for future freight and passenger growth," he commented.