Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Re-establishment of Rimutaka Railway declined

Updated at 7:57 pm on 12 February 2012

Officials considering a proposal to re-establish the old Rimutaka Railway have recommended it be declined by the Wellington Regional Council.

The railway, which ran from Upper Hutt to Wairarapa, was opened in 1878, and closed nearly 70 years later when a new rail route, including a tunnel, was opened.

An area of the closed rail line, from Kaitoke to Cross Creek, was developed into a cycling and walking trail.

The Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust proposed that this area be re-established as a railway line, for tourism and historic purposes.

The idea received much criticism from the public as it would mean cycle and walkways would be compromised.

The council officials have suggested the proposal be declined saying there were more economic and social advantages in keeping the cycle trail, than re-building the rail route.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council will make a decision on Wednesday.

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