The Government has set a target to increase rail freight by at least 40% by 2040, measured in net tonne kilometres.
The Department for Transport announced the target on 8 September 2026, describing it as an interim milestone towards an existing ambition for rail-freight growth of at least 75% by 2050.
The measure is based on the volume of freight moved and distance travelled, rather than the number of trains, consignments or lorries removed from roads.
Under the Government’s assessment, rail freight has potential to grow by 65% for high-value goods by 2040, by 45% for construction goods and by 7% for critical goods. Traffic identified as having scope to move in greater volumes by rail includes construction materials, vehicles, consumer goods and medicines.
DfT estimates the value of goods moved by rail freight would rise from £33.7 billion to £49.5 billion if the 2040 target is achieved. It says rail freight currently moves goods contributing almost £34 billion annually to the UK economy.
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The department also estimates that reaching the target could avoid around one million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year compared with carrying the same freight by road. For road users and commercial fleets, the stated policy aim is to reduce pressure on the road network where suitable loads can transfer to rail.
The announcement does not mean extra rail capacity or a shift away from road freight has already been delivered. Meeting the target will depend on network capacity, access arrangements and private-sector investment decisions.
Government plans are linked to the Railways Bill, which began committee-stage scrutiny in the House of Lords on 8 September. The bill has not completed its passage through Parliament.
Parliamentary material says the bill would require the Government to set rail-freight targets as part of the proposed Great British Railways framework. DfT says Great British Railways would receive a freight-growth role, including strategic oversight of network access, if the bill is enacted, and that a dedicated board member would hold responsibility for freight.
Network Rail and the Rail Freight Group have publicly supported the Government’s direction. The statutory mechanism proposed for freight targets remains prospective while the bill continues through the Lords.
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