As of 2023, the length of non-electrified railway tracks in the UK was 17.35 thousand kilometers. The forecast for 2024 to 2028 indicates a gradual decline, with figures falling from 17.28 to 16.97 thousand kilometers. This represents a consistent year-on-year contraction at approximately 0.5% annually. Thus, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the next five years is negative, reflecting an average reduction per year in the track length.

In the future, key trends to monitor include government electrification initiatives and policy changes aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The adoption of alternative power sources for trains and infrastructure investments could further impact non-electrified railway tracks. Additionally, technological advancements and societal shifts towards more sustainable transport solutions could further accelerate the decline.