A plan to electrify the Midland Mainline to speed up journey times between Nottingham and other cities has been dropped.
The Government said it was abandoning the plan on Thursday, after months of speculation.
Instead it plans to pay for ‘bi-mode’ trains, capable of running on diesel and existing electric rail lines.
Electrification had been proposed to provide a new, faster fleet of trains which will be quicker than the current network, which is mainly diesel.
Local politicians and business leaders have criticised the decision, saying it will hamper businesses and unfairly disadvantage regional rail passengers.
In November the Government had faced fierce criticism for failing to commit to the scheme, after ‘unpausing’ it following an earlier review.
Transport Secretary Chris Gralying said: “New bi-mode train technology offers seamless transfer from diesel power to electric that is undetectable to passengers. The industry is also developing alternative fuel trains, using battery and hydrogen power.
“This means that we no longer need to electrify every line to achieve the same significant improvements to journeys, and we will only electrify lines where it delivers a genuine benefit to passengers.”
But campaigners rejected the proposal, accusing the Government of turning its back on the region.
Nottingham East MP Chris Leslie said: “Appalling & short-sighted betrayal by Transport Ministers, leaving Midland Mainline back in 20th century.Makes mockery of ‘Midlands Engine’!”
Business group the East Midlands Chamber said the alternative put forward by the Government would not result in faster journeys.
“Once again, the East Midlands is being disadvantaged as a consequence of a London-centric focus on the rail network,” said Scott Knowles, the chamber’s Chief Executive.
