Chatham Main Line

Chatham Main Line
Southeastern Class 465/9 Networker at Chatham in 2015
Overview
StatusOperational
OwnerNetwork Rail
LocaleGreater London
South East England
Termini
Stations40
Service
TypeCommuter rail, Heavy rail
SystemNational Rail
Operator(s)SE Trains
Thameslink
Depot(s)Gillingham EMUD, Ramsgate EMUD, Grovesnor Carriage Shed
Rolling stockClass 375 "Electrostar"
Class 377 "Electrostar"
Class 395 "Javelin"
Class 465 "Networker"
Class 466 "Networker"
Class 700 "Desiro City"
History
Opened1860-1863
Technical
Line length116 mi 63 ch (187.95 km)
(Includes both branches down from Faversham)
Number of tracksMainly 2, 3 between London Victoria and Voltaire Jn and 4 between Shortlands Jn and Swanley Jn
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Electrification750 V DC third rail
Operating speed145 km/h (90 mph)
Route map

(Click to expand)

The Chatham Main Line is a railway line in England that links London Victoria[1] and Dover Priory / Ramsgate, travelling via Medway (of which the town of Chatham is part, hence the name).

Services to Cannon Street follow the route as far as St Mary Cray Junction where they diverge onto the South Eastern Main Line near Chislehurst.

Thameslink services to Luton run in parallel from Rainham to Rochester, diverging once across the River Medway at Rochester Bridge Junction onto the North Kent Line via Gravesend and Dartford.

A shuttle service operates on the Sheerness Line which starts at Sittingbourne.

  1. ^ Quail Map 5 – England South [pages 2–13] Sept 2002 (Retrieved 14 December 2011)