The Whelham Branch

The Whelham Branch is a short branchline linking the towns of Ramsgate, Lower Edge and Whelham together, by a fast rail service.

History
Plans were drawn up for the line in June 2008, with construction starting in Early September 2009. In October 2009, tests started on the half complete line, ensuring that the steep gradient the line uses will work. In November 2009, the line was finished, with trains making full tests along the line until the 5th December 2009, before the line opened a day later, with 1 train every three hours. In january 2010, the frequency was increased to an hourly service, and in September 2010 was supplemented by an additional stopping service per hour (Making a half hourly service) and an express train. In August 2011, the service frequency is again expected to go up, having an Half Hourly express service aswell;however, due to engineering works on part of the line, this is expected to come in December. Ramsgate Airport Railway Station was made the Ramsgate terminus of the line on August 7th 2011, following the construction of platforms 2 and 3 at that station

In October 2011, major engineering works were undertaken on the branchline's incline to make it less steep. The works went to plan and testing on the line started quickly