QUESTIONS are being raised about whether a multi-million-pound rail freight upgrade from Southampton to the West Midlands will ever see the light of day.

Government ministers have confirmed their support for the scheme but nobody has been willing to commit to a start date.

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman said they wanted the project to go ahead but it would not be carried out in the near future because of funding pressures.

Now business and civic leaders are wondering when they can expect a decision on the £53m scheme.

Nick Farthing, chairman of Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce's planning and transportation committee, said the city could be waiting for years.

"What they have said to us is that rail projects are too expensive at the moment. All projects have been reined in," said Mr Farthing.

"The industry has got its act together but the government is still thinking about it. It won't be any time soon, that is the message we are

hearing."

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has held a top-level meeting with freight operating companies in a bid to put together a package to fund the improvements on the north/ south rail link.

It is understood that Mr Darling acted after CBI president Digby Jones took a personal interest in the case.

One of Southampton's most eminent businessmen, who the Daily Echo is not naming, has the ear of Mr Jones.

Changes would include lowering tracks so new larger containers could get under bridges and flyovers.

The average height of a container has gone up from 8ft 6in to 9ft 6in.

According to transport experts, one freight train carries the equivalent of 75 lorry loads, reducing road congestion and pollution levels.

A similar project, costing nearly £30m, was carried out on the East Coast line from Felixstowe to the Midlands earlier this year.

Mr Farthing said: "The East Coast had the work done, so why can't we?"

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, said: "He (Alistair Darling) understands how important the rail link is to us and a way forward must be found. It was the original cost of £800m that led to it being put on the burner, but that figure has been reduced.

"It is not going to be something that happens tomorrow but we are meeting at every opportunity on a number of issues and this is one."

But a DfT spokesman said the importance of the rail upgrade was still being decided.

He said: "We are looking at the scheme and its importance. Only when a decision is made on its importance can we confirm it will go ahead."

Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Darling said: "Wherever possible, it is best to move goods over long distances by rail if we can. I know that there is a particular problem in Southampton and I hope we can find a way of sorting it out."