And it does feel as if this is the time when the project could take a huge step forward - providing the government can be persuaded to see it as a national, rather than a regional, priority.

Compared with most major rail projects the scheme does offer a phenomenal pay-back.

For every pound spent on the project UK plc will be boosted by £5. That is because of the increased number of trains - both freight and passenger - that will be able to use the route and the money this will generate for the local economy.

What is also nearly unique about this is that there is near-unanimous approval for the scheme across the political, business and community sectors.

The only real objections could come from the handful of properties near Ely North junction - and much of effort in developing the........

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