The on-hold rail link between Reading and Heathrow Airport is the 'number one infrastructure priority' for the region, the MP for Slough has said.

This comes after plans for the once-scrapped rail link could move forward if funding is found in the future.

The project, which would provide a direct link between Reading and Heathrow Airport, stopping at Slough, was put on hold indefinitely in 2020.

For more than a decade, talks have taken place about providing the rail link, as those travelling to Heathrow must currently catch the Heathrow Express from London Paddington.

In 2012, Network Rail developed plans for a 6.5km link, but it was put on hold in December 2020.

A Network Rail spokesperson said the project, which would cost £900m to deliver, was marked as closed due to ‘administrative reasons’.

They added that it could be reopened if a ‘satisfactory business case and funding agreement’ is established.

Now, Tan Dhesi, MP for Slough, has said: “Despite delays and funding challenges, the western rail link to Heathrow remains the number one priority for the Thames Valley Region.”

Mr Dhesi added that the rail line ‘promised by the last government’ would ‘boost our economy and environment’.

The UK Train Driver’s Union has further shown support for the project, arguing that it would provide a ‘more sufficient and more sustainable’ access to the airport.

The MP for Slough has been a long supporter for the train line, arguing that it would benefit 20 per cent of the UK’s population.

He established an All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Western Rail Link to Heathrow in 2018, along with other MPs for the Berkshire region.

This included former MP for Bracknell, James Sunderland, and MP for Reading Central, Matt Rodda.

Mr Dhesi told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Since the Conservative government promised to build it over a decade ago (to be finished by 2020), this nationally significant infrastructure project has been beset by delays and funding challenges, yet receives wide cross-party and local support from businesses and residents.”

He added that the new Labour government is ‘steadfast in its commitment to economic growth’ as well as ‘enhancing our infrastructure and rail connectivity’.

Slough and Reading residents can still access the airport via public transport, such as taking the Elizabeth Line to Hayes and Harlington, before catching a train to Heathrow.

Terminals two and three, and terminal four, can be accessed via the Elizabeth Line, too. Passengers also have a variety of options to travel via bus or coach.