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<p>The Department has not made any plans for the future of the South Yorkshire Joint
Railway Line. Freight traffic over the line has declined with the reduction in coal
extraction and power generation and the Department looks to the Network Rail-led industry
planning process for guidance on whether change is appropriate.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally,
however, through the recently launched £500m <em>Restoring Your Railway</em> initiative,
the Department for Transport has invited MPs, local authorities and community groups
across England and Wales to propose how they could use funding to support ambitions
to reinstate axed local passenger services and restore closed stations. I am delighted
that my Honourable Friend has submitted an Expression of Interest.</p>
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