Hitchin Rail Disruption After Trackside Fire Triggers Power Problems

Rail passengers in Hertfordshire are facing severe disruption after a trackside fire forced the closure of key lines and caused widespread power issues.

The incident has affected services through Hitchin railway station, with all lines shut in both directions between Hitchin and Royston railway station. This has halted trains that would normally run between London, Royston and Cambridge.

The fire, reported next to the railway, has damaged infrastructure and reduced the number of usable tracks, prompting an emergency response. Teams from Network Rail and emergency services are working to assess the situation and begin repairs once it is safe.

Further disruption is being felt on longer-distance routes, with northbound services towards Peterborough unable to call at Hitchin due to the ongoing issues.

Passengers are being warned that delays could be significant, with journey times expected to increase by at least 60 minutes. Rail operators have said it is currently not possible to provide a clear estimate for when lines will fully reopen.

Earlier guidance suggested delays of around 20 minutes, but the situation has since escalated, with more severe disruption now in place and services subject to cancellations, diversions and extended journey times.

Travellers are being advised to set off as early as possible if they need to travel today, to improve their chances of reaching their destination this evening.

Disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day, with uncertainty remaining over when normal services will resume.

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