Home » RAILWAY NEWS » Direct Trains From Kemble To Birmingham, UK Could Return With Midlands Rail Hub, Revolutionising Travel For Locals And Tourists

Published on
January 4, 2026

A typical train route restoration under the Midlands Rail Hub scheme may soon bring back the direct trains between Kemble and Birmingham, which is a revolution for both the local and the tourist market. The reopening of these services, which disappeared from the map more than twenty years ago, is now a possibility following the recent negotiations between Kemble’s MP Dr. Roz Savage and influential transport officials such as Midland Connect. The plan is to improve the transport system by adding up to one-hundred and thirty new trains a week, therefore, greatly increasing the number of commuters and tourists who are able to travel in and out of the region.

The Midlands Rail Hub: A Billion Blueprint for the Future

The Midlands Rail Hub is a bold 1.75 billion pound plan aimed at providing better and more frequent rail connections across the region. One of its key objectives is to increase the capacity for trains travelling between Swindon and Birmingham, with the possibility of a new hourly direct service operating through Kemble. This would create over two million extra seats per year for passengers. According to Midlands Connect, this expansion is vital for improving regional connectivity, facilitating quicker and more convenient travel for local residents and tourists exploring the South Cotswolds.

The reinstatement of a direct train service is particularly important for those who currently have to change trains in Cheltenham or Gloucester. With no direct link between Kemble and Birmingham for more than two decades, travellers face significant inconveniences, leading many to avoid rail travel altogether. Midlands Connect sees this new service as an essential boost to the region’s transport network, making it easier for both local residents and visitors to access key destinations.

Boosting the Local Economy and Tourism

One of the major benefits of the Midlands Rail Hub is its potential to stimulate the local economy. The project is expected to generate more than 12,750 jobs during its construction phase, with long-term impacts on both local businesses and tourism. The South Cotswolds, home to Kemble, is known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and charming rural villages, making it an attractive destination for tourists. Improved rail services will make it easier for visitors to explore the area, supporting local tourism and boosting business activity in towns like Cirencester, Stroud, and Fairford.

For commuters, the direct rail link will make daily travel to Birmingham and other major cities far more convenient. Currently, many commuters from the South Cotswolds face long, drawn-out journeys involving multiple train changes. A direct service will significantly reduce travel time, making it easier for local residents to access work, education, and other opportunities in the bustling city of Birmingham.

Kemble’s MP Praises the Project’s Potential

Dr Roz Savage, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds, expressed her enthusiasm during a recent meeting with Midlands Connect and local stakeholders at Kemble Station. She noted that the proposed improvements to the local rail services would be transformative for both residents and businesses in the region. She pointed out that the return of a direct rail service would offer more convenience and better travel options for the community. Dr Savage also highlighted the importance of the Midlands Rail Hub as a driver of economic growth for the area, with the added benefit of making rail travel a more viable option for both locals and tourists.

Support from Local Councils and Transport Leaders

Local council members are also strongly supportive of the Midlands Rail Hub’s potential to benefit the area. Cllr Joe Harris, the Cabinet Member for Highways at Gloucestershire County Council, emphasized how a direct service would be a “gamechanger” for the people of Kemble and surrounding areas. He explained that not only would the new service provide faster, more convenient travel options for residents, but it would also make the area more accessible to tourists.

A Step Forward for Regional Rail Development

The first phase of the Midlands Rail Hub project, which has already secured funding, is set to deliver significant improvements for rail services in the West Midlands, South Wales, and the Southwest. The scheme has been included in the UK Government’s ten-year infrastructure strategy, and it received further backing from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who confirmed funding for the initial phase during the latest spending review.

In August 2025, the project took a major step forward when the preferred alliance partners were identified, including well-known companies such as VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke, AtkinsRéalis, Siemens Mobility, and Network Rail. The collaboration between these firms will be instrumental in delivering the rail upgrades, ensuring that the Midlands Rail Hub project reaches its full potential.

Looking to the Future: A Connected Midlands

The Midlands Rail Hub represents a transformative moment in the region’s rail development. As Dr Roz Savage and other local leaders continue to work alongside Midlands Connect to ensure that the South Cotswolds benefits from these improvements, it is clear that this project will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transport in the Midlands.

For tourists, the prospect of more convenient and direct rail connections to and from Kemble is a promising one. The project not only makes travel easier but also opens up more opportunities to explore the picturesque towns and villages of the South Cotswolds. With improved infrastructure, Kemble is set to become an even more attractive destination for those looking to experience the beauty and charm of rural Gloucestershire.

The Midlands Rail Hub Will Revitalize the Region

The Midlands Rail Hub project is a transport project of the future, and it has the power to generate economic activities, create more jobs, and improve accessibility. The restoration of direct train services between Kemble and Birmingham will be a win-win situation not only for the local people but also for the visitors. The prospective rail travel in the South Cotswolds region is now at its best with more trains, more seats, and quicker connections being promised.