Despite being the first nation to build a railway, and still maintain a high-density network - there are vast swathes that are not electrified. At present 40% of the UK network is electrified compared to 50% for France and 56% for Germany.
That low 40% figure will change from today, as work begins to electrify the Great Western Main Line (connecting London to Cardiff), the world's first intercity line (one of the lines connecting Liverpool and Manchester), and possibly next year the Midland Main Line (connecting London to Sheffield and Nottingham).
Electrifying the GWML will ensure that the u/c Crossrail can be extended to Reading - a major rail hub due west of London, further improving rail connections across London and the south-east of England.
Source: www.ft.com